MoFPI Millet PLI Scheme — Up to ₹100 Cr Incentive for Millet-Based Food Products
Financial incentive for domestic manufacturing & sales of millet-based food products — up to ₹100 Cr for large entities, ₹40 Cr for MSMEs.
- Funding amount
- ₹40Cr – ₹100Cr (subsidy)
- Funding type
- Subsidy
- Provider
- Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) (Government)
- Application deadline
- Rolling
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Overview
The Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Millet Based Products is a central government initiative by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI). It aims to increase the use of millets in food processing, encourage value addition, and boost the sale and export of millet-based products. The scheme is part of India's broader push to promote 'nutri-cereals' and to establish the country as a global hub for millet processing.
The scheme operates from FY 2022-23 to FY 2026-27 with a total outlay of ₹800 crore. It is managed by MoFPI, and IFCI Limited currently serves as the Project Management Agency (PMA). The incentive is directly linked to incremental sales over a base year, with a minimum growth rate condition, ensuring that only expanding businesses benefit. Products must contain more than 15% millet content and be entirely manufactured in India.
Applicants are selected through a rigorous evaluation and ranking process, ensuring that support goes to high-potential businesses. The scheme encourages both domestic and export sales, making it a strategic tool for the food processing sector.
Highlights
- Incentive up to ₹100 crore for Large Entities
- Incentive up to ₹40 crore for MSMEs
- Linked to incremental sales of millet-based products
- Minimum 15% millet content required in products
- Manufacturing must be entirely in India
- Scheme tenure: FY 2022-23 to FY 2026-27
Who can apply
The scheme is open to companies engaged in, or intending to manufacture, eligible millet-based products in India. These products must be packaged and branded Ready-to-Cook (RTC) or Ready-to-Eat (RTE) and contain more than 15% millet content by weight/volume.
Applicants must achieve a minimum 10% CAGR in sales of eligible products from the base year to qualify for the incentive. Additionally, the total sales of all food products must exceed the minimum sales thresholds specified in the guidelines (₹10 crore for MSMEs, ₹50 crore for others, as per Appendix B).
Udyam Registration is mandatory for MSME applicants. The applicant or its promoters must not appear on CIBIL or SEBI defaulter lists and must not have been declared bankrupt or fraudulent by any financial institution.
MoFPI Millet PLI Scheme — Up to ₹100 Cr Incentive for Millet-Based Food Products is open to startups at any stage. It is open to startups registered anywhere in India.
- Eligible stage
- Any stage
- Location
- Open to startups registered in India
Deadline & timing
MoFPI Millet PLI Scheme — Up to ₹100 Cr Incentive for Millet-Based Food Products accepts applications on a rolling basis — there is no fixed cut-off date, so eligible startups can apply at any time. Because rolling programmes can pause without notice, confirm the window is still open on the official site before you start.
What the funding covers
The incentive is calculated as Incremental Sales × Applicable Rate of Incentive. For the initial years, the rate is 10%, which later adjusts to 8%.
Large entities can avail up to ₹100 crore, while MSMEs can receive up to ₹40 crore over the scheme's duration.
Disbursement is made via Direct Bank Transfer through PFMS, typically within 60 days of submitting complete claim documents.
The scheme also provides regulatory support by aligning with national food processing policies, offering a government-backed advantage.
About the provider
MoFPI Millet PLI Scheme — Up to ₹100 Cr Incentive for Millet-Based Food Products is offered by Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), a government body. As a government-backed subsidy, it is publicly funded and open to eligible startups across India. You can verify current details and timelines on the provider's official website before applying.
How to apply
Applications are submitted on the official portal. Confirm the current deadline and document checklist there before you start.
Selection process
The selection process is a multi-stage evaluation:
- Prima Facie Examination: The PMA conducts an initial completeness check within 15 working days of application submission.
- Detailed Evaluation: The PMA evaluates applications based on predefined criteria, including business plan, projected incremental sales, millet content, manufacturing capabilities, and financial viability.
- Recommendation: The PMA forwards its recommendations to MoFPI.
- Final Approval: MoFPI aims to approve applications within 90 days from the closure of the application window.
- Approval Letter: Successful applicants receive an approval letter from the PMA within 5 working days of approval.
Documents you’ll need
Before you apply to MoFPI Millet PLI Scheme — Up to ₹100 Cr Incentive for Millet-Based Food Products, keep the following documents ready:
- A pitch deck or short business plan describing the problem, product and traction
- Company registration documents and PAN
- Founder identification (PAN / Aadhaar) and brief profiles
- Recent financial statements or projections
- Product details — a demo, prototype or working link if available
Exact requirements are confirmed on the official application portal — treat this as a preparation checklist.
Who this is best for
MoFPI Millet PLI Scheme — Up to ₹100 Cr Incentive for Millet-Based Food Products is best suited for startups in India seeking non-dilutive funding of ₹40Cr – ₹100Cr. If that describes your startup, review the eligibility criteria above before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What is the primary objective of the PLI Scheme for Millet Based Products?
The objective is to increase millet usage in food products, promote value addition, and incentivize the manufacture and sale of selected millet-based products in domestic and export markets.
Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
Companies engaged in or intending to manufacture eligible packaged and branded Ready-to-Cook (RTC) or Ready-to-Eat (RTE) millet-based products in India are eligible. Both MSMEs (with Udyam Registration) and large entities can apply, provided they meet sales growth and financial health criteria.
What kind of financial incentive is offered?
The scheme offers an incentive on incremental sales of eligible products. The rate is 10% initially, reducing to 8% in later years. Large entities can receive up to ₹100 crore, and MSMEs up to ₹40 crore, over the scheme period.
What are the key product requirements for eligibility?
Eligible products must be packaged and branded Ready-to-Cook (RTC) or Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food products. They must contain more than 15% millet content by weight/volume, and the entire manufacturing must occur in India.
Is there a minimum sales growth required to receive the incentive?
Yes, applicants must achieve a minimum Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 10% on sales of eligible products from a defined base year. If the growth rate is not met for a particular year, no incentive is payable for that year.
How is the application processed and approved?
Applications are submitted online after the release of an Expression of Interest (EOI). The Project Management Agency (PMA) conducts a prima facie examination and detailed evaluation, then forwards recommendations to MoFPI for final approval. MoFPI aims to approve within 90 days from the application window closure.
How much funding can I get?
MSMEs can receive up to ₹40 crore, and large entities up to ₹100 crore, over the scheme's duration. The incentive is based on incremental sales multiplied by the applicable rate.
Is there an application deadline?
The scheme is rolling, with EOIs released periodically. Applicants must apply within the specified application window once an EOI is announced.
Does the scheme take equity?
No, the scheme provides a financial incentive (subsidy) on incremental sales. It does not take equity in your company.
What documents are typically needed for application?
Required documents typically include incorporation documents, financial statements, Udyam registration (for MSMEs), product details, manufacturing site details, and an audit consent undertaking.
Is DPIIT recognition required for MoFPI Millet PLI Scheme — Up to ₹100 Cr Incentive for Millet-Based Food Products?
No. DPIIT (Startup India) recognition is not listed as a mandatory requirement for MoFPI Millet PLI Scheme — Up to ₹100 Cr Incentive for Millet-Based Food Products, though having it can strengthen your application and unlock other benefits.
Who offers MoFPI Millet PLI Scheme — Up to ₹100 Cr Incentive for Millet-Based Food Products?
MoFPI Millet PLI Scheme — Up to ₹100 Cr Incentive for Millet-Based Food Products is offered by Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), a government body. It is provided as non-dilutive funding.
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