India Builds Strong Food Processing Infrastructure for Farmers and Jobs
Government schemes drive rapid growth in food processing infrastructure in India, creating jobs, reducing waste, and boosting farmer incomes.
Lucknow | 4, August 2025 : India is building more food processing units to help farmers and boost the rural economy. The government is doing this under the Viksit Bharat plan. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) runs three main schemes:
- PMKSY – For big food parks and cold storage
- PMFME – For small businesses in villages
- PLISFPI – For large food companies to grow and export
These programs give money and support to set up or improve food units.
Thousands of Projects Approved
By June 2025, MoFPI approved:
- 1,134 big projects under PMKSY, including 41 mega food parks
- 395 cold-chain units to keep food fresh
- 144,517 small projects under PMFME
- 170 large industry projects under PLISFPI
In Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, 261 food businesses were approved. The area is a Banana Cluster and also part of the One District One Product (ODOP) plan.
Why These Projects Matter
These projects help farmers and small food makers by:
- Reducing waste after harvest
- Keeping food fresh for longer
- Turning raw crops into ready-to-sell products
- Helping farmers earn more
- Creating jobs in villages
The government gives grants and loans to make this possible. Most projects are set up in rural areas.
Support for Big Brands and Exports
The PLISFPI scheme helps Indian food brands grow. It supports large factories that can export food. The scheme has ₹10,900 crore and runs from 2021 to 2027.
To bring in more business, MoFPI has hosted World Food India events in 2017, 2023, and 2024. These events connect Indian food companies with global ones.
Local Success in States
Some states are doing very well:
- Gujarat helped set up 675 units under PMFME
- Bihar gave out over 10,000 loans to small food businesses
MoFPI also wants to build 50 new food safety units and 100 testing labs. This will improve quality and help products last longer.
A Better Future for Farmers
Food processing units add value to farm produce. They help farmers earn better prices. They also reduce the waste of fruits, vegetables, and grains.
This growth in food processing infrastructure in India supports the Viksit Bharat goal. It brings income, jobs, and new skills to rural India.
Summary Table
| Scheme | Projects Approved | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| PMKSY | 1,134 | Big food parks, cold storage |
| PMFME | 144,517 | Small food businesses |
| PLISFPI | 170 | Large Indian food brands |
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