India Boosts Food Processing and Soy Protein Production with Government Funding

The Technology Development Board (TDB), part of India's Department of Science & Technology, has approved financial assistance for Sonic Biochem Extractions Pvt. Ltd. to build a commercial facility that will produce functional and textured soy protein concentrates using indigenous technology. The project is intended to lower reliance on imported soy protein isolate, cut production costs, and create an export‑oriented domestic value chain for plant‑based protein ingredients.

Separately, the central government's Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for the food processing sector has attracted about Rs 9,207 crore in investment, covering 163 projects from 127 companies across 22 states. The scheme has generated roughly 3.35 lakh direct and indirect jobs, raised sales of PLI‑supported products from Rs 58,758 crore in FY 2019‑20 to Rs 1,08,854 crore in FY 2025‑26, and expanded processing capacity by 34 lakh metric tons per year. Incentives totalling Rs 3,271.44 crore have been disbursed, supporting modernisation, branding, and export promotion for Indian food manufacturers.