Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Millet Based Products

The Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Millet-Based Products (PLISMBP) is an initiative of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India. Its stated purpose is to increase the use of millets in food products and support their value addition within the food processing sector. Millets, classified as 'nutri-cereals,' are recognised for their nutritional properties and climate resilience, and the scheme is intended to support their wider adoption in diets and markets.

The scheme provides incentives for the manufacture and sale of specified millet-based products in both domestic and export markets. It is designed to improve the international competitiveness of Indian millet products and position India as a processing hub. PLISMBP operates over a five-year period, from Financial Year 2022-23 to FY 2026-27, with a total allocation of ₹800 crore.

Implementation is overseen by the MoFPI, with IFCI Limited acting as the Project Management Agency (PMA). Incentives are calculated on incremental sales relative to a base year (FY 2020-21 for initial claims) and are subject to minimum growth rate requirements. Eligible products must contain more than 15% millet content and be wholly manufactured in India. Applicant selection follows an evaluation and ranking process to identify suitable businesses.

1. **Await EOI Release:** Applicants must wait for the Ministry of Food Processing Industries to publish the Expression of Interest (EOI) specifically for millet-based products. 2. **Access Online Portal:** After the EOI is published, applicants must use the dedicated online application portal operated by the Project Management Agency (PMA) at https://plimofpi.ifciltd.com. 3. **Complete Application Form:** Fill out the detailed Application Form (Annexure-1, generally included in the guidelines) with all required information, such as company details, the proposed project, and particulars of application fees. 4. **Upload Supporting Documents:** Upload all necessary supporting documents as listed in the application form and scheme guidelines. These typically include incorporation certificates, financial statements, Udyam registration (for MSMEs), and product specifications. 5. **Provide Manufacturing Site Details:** Submit full particulars of every manufacturing site, covering both owned facilities and any contract manufacturing units, intended for the eligible products under the scheme. 6. **Submit Audit Consent Undertaking:** Provide a signed undertaking (Format A, Annexure 7) agreeing to audits of manufacturing sites and offices by the appropriate authorities. 7. **Pay Application Fee:** An application fee of ₹1,00,000 for Large Entities or ₹10,000 for MSME applicants must be paid online through NEFT/RTGS before the application window closes. Non-payment of the fee will make the application invalid. 8. **Submit Application Online:** Submit the completed application online within the designated application window. Physical submissions are not accepted, and applications arriving after the deadline will be disregarded. 9. **Receive Application ID:** After successful submission, a unique Application ID will be created and provided for future reference and tracking purposes. 10. **Prima Facie Examination by PMA:** The Project Management Agency (PMA) will perform an initial review of the application within 15 working days to verify completeness and compliance with basic requirements. 11. **PMA Evaluation & Recommendation:** The PMA will then carry out a thorough evaluation of the application using prescribed criteria and submit its recommendations to the Ministry of Food Processing Industries. 12. **MoFPI Approval:** The Ministry will examine the recommendations and intends to approve eligible applications within 90 days from the closure of the application window, provided all documentation is complete and satisfactory. 13. **Issuance of Approval Letter:** Upon approval, the PMA will issue an official approval letter to the chosen applicant within 5 working days. 14. **Annual Claim Submission:** Approved applicants must submit annual claims for incentive disbursement, along with all required supporting documents, for each financial year during the scheme's duration.

The Project Management Agency (PMA), currently IFCI Limited, first screens each application for the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Millet Based Products. This initial check, completed within 15 working days, verifies that submissions are complete and meet basic eligibility requirements. Following this, the PMA undertakes a detailed assessment against predefined criteria, which cover the business plan, projected incremental sales, millet content commitment, manufacturing capabilities, and financial viability. A ranking system is applied during this stage.

The PMA then submits its recommendations to the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, which holds final approval authority. The Ministry aims to decide within 90 days from the closure of the application window, provided all documentation is complete and satisfactory. Approved applicants receive an official approval letter from the PMA.