PROMOTION OF MILLET-BASED PRODUCTS

The Government of India has introduced a scheme to promote millet-based products and encourage value addition in the food industry. With a financial outlay of ₹800 crore, this initiative aims to support the growth of the millet sector from FY 2022-2023 to FY 2026-2027. The scheme focuses on increasing local sourcing, improving the availability of millet-based products in the market, and driving sustainable growth in agriculture.

About

• Launched by the Government of India to promote millets in food products and encourage value addition. The scheme covers the period from FY 2022-2023 to FY 2026-2027 with an outlay of ₹800 crore. To ensure smooth implementation, the government has introduced a user-friendly portal, created dedicated support groups, and conducted weekly meetings with applicants for progress tracking and issue resolution. This scheme is going to boost the millet industry, promote local sourcing, and improve the availability of millet-based products in the market.

Eligibility Criteria

• The scheme eliminates the threshold investment requirement, making it accessible to more applicants.

• Companies must achieve a minimum year-on-year sales growth of 10% over the base year to qualify for incentives.

• Only locally sourced agri-products (except for additives, flavors, and oils) should be used in millet-based products.

• Ready-to-Eat and Ready-to-Cook Products:

• The program encourages sales of branded consumer packs that contain more than 15% millet by weight or volume.

Beneficiaries:

• At the time of initiation, 30 beneficiaries were enrolled, and after one withdrawal, there were 29 beneficiaries in the scheme.To date, ₹3.917 crore has been released to 19 applicants for FY 2022-2023.

• Impact on Local Agriculture:

  • The need for locally procured agricultural products has increased local production and procurement.

• Progress and Achievements:

  • According to the Union Minister of State for Food Processing Industries, Shri Ravneet Singh Bhittu, through a written reply in Rajya Sabha: 

    • FY 2022-2023 claims had to be filed in FY 2023-2024.

    • The continued support of the scheme has helped in the development of millet-based food products in India.

Conclusion

The government's initiative to promote millet-based products is poised to revolutionize the food industry by enhancing local agriculture, encouraging sustainable sourcing, and supporting value-added products. With an ₹800 crore investment, this scheme aims to create a robust market for millets, benefiting local farmers and boosting economic growth in the sector.