Farm to Retail: Make in India’s push for Food Processing Excellence
Empowering Farmers, Enhancing Value, Expanding Markets
India’s food processing industry has undergone rapid transformation, driven by its vast agricultural base, rising domestic demand, and supportive government policies. India is poised to emerge as a global leader in the food processing sector, with an impressive growth trajectory. Agriculture sector forms the backbone of the India’s food processing industry, India being the largest producer of fruits, vegetables, millets, tea, and food grains as well as milk and livestock globally.
The food processing sector is a priority under the Make in India initiative, with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries implementing schemes to attract investment and develop infrastructure. Mega Food Parks with essential utilities and common processing facilities are being established in agriculturally rich areas, offering a plug-and-play model for entrepreneurs.
Investment in these parks is recognized under the Harmonized List of Infrastructure Sub-sectors (HLIS), enabling easier access to infrastructure lending. To further boost investment, the Ministry has launched an Investors Portal (https://www.foodprocessingindia.gov.in/), providing key information on resources, policies, and incentives, while also collaborating with Invest India to facilitate partnerships, regulatory approvals, and investor support.
PM Kisan Sampada Yojana–
The umbrella Central sector scheme, SAMPADA- Scheme for Agro-marine processing and Development of Agro-processing Clusters was approved in May 2017, with a total allocation of Rs.6000 crore for the implementation period. The continuation of the Central Sector Scheme – Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters) with an allocation of Rs. 4600 Crore has been further approved until March 31, 2026.
