Parliament Question: New Policy to Promote Food Processing Sector

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 6362 ANSWERED ON 02ND APRIL, 2026 NEW POLICY TO PROMOTE FOOD PROCESSING SECTOR 6362. DR. M P ABDUSSAMAD SAMADANI: Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has formulated any new policy to promote the food processing sector in the country and if so, the details thereof; and (b) the steps taken to reduce post-harvest losses of agricultural produce through food processing initiatives? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI RAVNEET SINGH) (a) & (b): In order to promote and facilitate overall development of food processing sector, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has been incentivizing setting up/expansion of related infrastructure through its two Central Sector Schemes namely Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) and Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI). Further, a Centrally sponsored PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme is also being implemented by MoFPI. All these three schemes are demand driven and are implemented across the country. Under PMKSY, financial assistance is provided to entrepreneurs for setting up of food processing industries. The scheme is operational for a period upto 2025-26 with total outlay of Rs 6520 Crore for 15th Finance Commission Cycle. MoFPI has approved 1607 projects across the country till 31.12.2025 under this scheme. PLISFPI is, inter alia, intended to support creation of global food manufacturing champions and support Indian brands of food products in international market. The Scheme is operational for a period from 2021-22 to 2026-27 with an outlay of Rs. 10,900 crores. MoFPI has approved 170 proposals across the country till 31.12.2025 under this scheme. Under PMFME scheme, financial, technical and business support is provided for setting up / upgradation of micro food processing enterprises. The scheme is operational for a period of upto 2025-26 with an outlay of Rs.10,000 Crore. 1,72,707 micro food processing enterprises have been approved for assistance across the country till 31.12.2025 under this scheme. Schemes implemented by MoFPI aim towards creation of modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet which includes storage, transportation, value addition etc., thereby help in providing better returns to farmers, reducing wastage of agricultural produce, reduction in post-harvest losses, enhancing productivity and increasing the processing level. *****