India is accelerating the transition toward sustainable and low-carbon food processing, with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) stepping up support for renewable energy, green technologies, and eco-friendly infrastructure across the sector.

Under its flagship schemes, MoFPI is providing financial assistance of up to Rs 35 lakh per project for the adoption of renewable and alternate energy sources—including solar, biomass, and wind power—in food processing units. The support is extended through component schemes of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY), reinforcing the government’s commitment to climate-conscious industrial growth.

To ensure environmental compliance, MoFPI mandates that approved projects obtain Consent to Operate (CTO) from the respective State Pollution Control Boards for water and air emissions prior to the release of grant installments. Additionally, food processing units implementing cold chain infrastructure must comply with guidelines issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, including the use of non-ozone-depleting substances (Non-ODS) and low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants in energy-efficient cooling systems.

The sustainability push was further underscored at the 4th edition of World Food India 2025, held from September 25–28, where “Sustainability and Net Zero Food Processing” emerged as a core focus pillar. The platform spotlighted innovations aimed at resource efficiency, waste minimization, energy conservation, and environmentally responsible packaging, setting the tone for the sector’s long-term transformation.

On the technology and innovation front, the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship & Management (NIFTEM), Thanjavur, has advanced the development of sustainable packaging solutions, including biodegradable plastics derived from biopolymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), starch, and nanofibres. These initiatives are designed to reduce plastic waste while ensuring food safety and packaging performance.

MoFPI continues to incentivize the establishment and expansion of food processing infrastructure through its two central sector schemes—PMKSY and the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for the Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI)—alongside the centrally sponsored PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme. Collectively, these programmes extend subsidies and incentives to eligible entities, including startups and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Capacity building remains a cornerstone of the government’s approach. Under PMFME, MoFPI supports Entrepreneurship Development and Product-Specific Skilling (EDP+), training trainers, district resource persons, and food entrepreneurs. The scheme also focuses on strengthening backward and forward linkages, creating common infrastructure, incubation centres, and enhancing marketing and branding capabilities.

Further support is provided through MoFPI’s autonomous institutions—NIFTEM-Kundli (Haryana) and NIFTEM-Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu)—which offer handholding, mentorship, pilot plants, NABL-accredited food testing laboratories, R&D support, incubation services, and industry networking to startups and MSMEs.

Implemented nationwide, these initiatives are not only greening India’s food processing ecosystem but also generating off-farm employment, boosting farmer incomes, and aligning the sector with India’s broader sustainability and net-zero ambitions.