The Centre is in the process of announcing a second round of production linked incentive (PLI) scheme for millet-based food processing in the country. As stated by Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Anita Praveen, the scheme is in the approval stage and involves an outlay of Rs 1,000 crore.

She further informed that the food processing industry had got an approval of Rs 10,900 crore for granting assistance to food processing units, out of which Rs 800 crore had been allocated for millet-based products. Also, over one lakh self-help groups (SHGs) had been extended assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Microfood Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme.

The first round of the PLI scheme was started last financial year, and saw applications from 30 units, resulting in a fully subscribed scheme.

With this, the intent is to popularise millets which is classified as a 'superfood' due to its nutritional value and health benefits.