Boosting Millet-Based Industries: Government Initiatives for Promotion

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) is actively promoting the establishment and expansion of millet-based (Shree Anna) food processing industries across the country, with a special focus on the North-Eastern states and Odisha. Various schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY), the Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLISFPI), and the PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) have been implemented to encourage this sector. These schemes are not region-specific but are demand-driven, ensuring wider participation and benefit.

Special Incentives for Millet-Based Products:

The government is providing financial assistance for various food processing industries, particularly those focused on millet processing. Under the Production Linked Incentive Scheme, an allocation of ₹800 crore has been made for millet-based products, aiming to increase their utilization and value addition. So far, ₹793.27 crore has been sanctioned to 29 applicants, including 8 large and 21 small & medium enterprises under this initiative.

Steps Taken to Increase Demand and Consumption of Millets:

1. Millet Festivals: Under the International Year of Millets (IYOM) 2023, 30 districts across various states hosted Millet Mahotsavs, benefiting micro food processing entrepreneurs, startups, and millet-based industries.
2. Trade Fairs and Exhibitions: The Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) organized several trade fairs, exhibitions, and millet conclaves to boost the promotion, utilization, and export of millets.
3.  International Promotion: APEDA collaborated with Indian embassies and government departments to conduct international trade fairs, sampling events, and buyer-seller meets for millets.
4. National Millet Summit: The National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship, and Management (NIFTEM-T) organized the National Millet Summit in Chennai on May 6-7, 2023 to discuss millet-related innovations and advancements.
5. International Millet Conference: NIFTEM-K hosted the International Conference on Millets for Achieving Nutritional and Economic Security from August 24-26, 2023, in Kundli, Haryana.
6. National Millet Expo 2023: ICAR-National Rice Research Institute (NRRI), Cuttack, organized the National Millet Expo-2023 to showcase innovations in millet-based products.
7. World Food India 2023: Held from November 3-5, 2023, in New Delhi, this global food event prominently featured millets, providing a significant platform for Indian producers and processors to connect with international stakeholders.

Encouraging Entrepreneurs in the Food Processing Sector:

The government has introduced special incentives for food processing enterprises in difficult geographic regions, including the North-Eastern states, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep. Although no dedicated committee has been formed to assess employment opportunities generated through these schemes, the initiatives have significantly boosted off-farm employment in the food processing sector. These government efforts are creating new opportunities for farmers, startups, and entrepreneurs, promoting the global reach of Indian millets and strengthening the millet-based economy.