Introduction: How to Start a Millet-Based Products Manufacturing in India

India is experiencing a major transformation in its food consumption habits, with consumers shifting toward healthier and more sustainable alternatives. At the heart of this movement are millets — celebrated for being rich in fiber, protein, and essential micronutrients. With the Government of India aggressively promoting millets and the global recognition of 2023 as the International Year of Millets, these traditional grains have made a strong comeback in modern Indian diets.

As the world’s largest producer of millets, India contributes nearly 40% of global production, cultivating popular varieties like Bajra, Ragi, and Jowar across multiple states. Annual millet production now surpasses 18 million tonnes, ensuring consistent raw material availability for food manufacturers.

The millet-based packaged foods market in India is growing at a rapid CAGR of 9–10%, driven by:

  • Increasing demand for gluten-free and diabetic-friendly foods

  • Strong preference for organic and nutrition-packed snacks

  • Rising influence of D2C health brands and e-commerce convenience

A wide range of profitable product categories are emerging — from millet atta, cookies, breakfast mixes, and noodles to energy bars and ready-to-cook meals.

With soaring consumer acceptance and government-backed growth initiatives, understanding how to start a millet-based products manufacturing business in India today offers an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and startup founders aiming to build a future-ready, profitable food venture.

1. Why Start a Millet-Based Products Business?

✔ Rising consumer demand in metros and Tier-2 cities
 ✔ Government incentives, subsidies, and export support
 ✔ Higher profit margins in value-added products
 ✔ Abundant raw material availability from Indian farmers
 ✔ Growing presence in e-commerce, quick commerce, and modern retail

2. Step-by-Step Guide to Start a Millet-Based Manufacturing Business in India

Step 1: Conduct Market Research

Identify:

  • Target products (e.g., flour, snacks, breakfast foods)
  • Regional demand & competitors
  • Distribution channels (local retail, modern trade, online)

Focus on niche products like:

  • Ragi malt, Jowar flakes, Bajra pasta
  • Vegan protein blends
  • Millet-based baby food
     These yield better margins and brand loyalty.

Step 2: Select the Business Model

✔ B2C Packaged Food Brand
✔ B2B Bulk Supply (flour & semolina to bakeries & HORECA)
✔ White Label/Private Labelling for other brands
✔ Export market (huge demand in Europe & GCC)

A hybrid model ensures maximum revenue streams.

Step 3: Setup Infrastructure

  • Space requirement: 800–2000 sq. ft. (for small-scale)
  • Location: Near grain-growing regions reduces logistics cost
  • Sections needed:
    • Raw material storage
    • Cleaning & processing area
    • Milling and blending area
    • Packaging section
    • Administrative/Marketing office
    • Quality testing lab

Step 4: Machinery & Equipment (Small-Scale Unit)

Typical setup includes:

  • Cleaning & grading machine
  • Dehusker & destoner
  • Dryer (if producing snacks)
  • Milling machine (flour)
  • Mixer & blender
  • Roaster (for malt)
  • Packaging machine (pouch sealing)
  • Weighing scale and labeling setup

Estimated cost of starting a millet products business

Scale Investment Range
Small-scale (manual + semi-automatic) ₹8–15 lakh
Medium-scale ₹25–60 lakh
Large-scale automatic plant ₹1 crore+

Working capital: ₹2–5 lakh per month depending on capacity.

Starting a millet-based products manufacturing business in India? 

Get expert guidance on licensing, machinery, product development, and marketing to build a profitable health-food brand.

To run a millet manufacturing business legally in India, the following are required:

Requirement Purpose
Business Registration (GST + MSME/Udyam) Tax & subsidy eligibility
FSSAI License Mandatory for food processing
Trade License Municipal approval
Trademark Registration Brand protection
Factory Licence (if applicable) For larger units
Pollution Control NOC Environmental compliance
Food packaging & labeling compliance As per FSSAI rules
IEC Code (if exporting) For export shipments

Tip: Start with a micro-unit under MSME to avail loans & subsidies.

4. Product Development & Branding

Focus on:

  • Nutritional value claims (high fiber, iron, protein)
  • Attractive eco-friendly packaging
  • Shelf-life testing for product safety

Build a brand around:
 ✔ Health
 ✔ Tradition
 ✔ Sustainability
 ✔ Gluten-free nutrition

5. Revenue Streams

Type Margin Level Description
Packaged consumer goods High Ragi chips, Bajra cookies
Bulk milling & supplies Medium Atta for bakeries
Private label manufacturing Low to Medium Manufacturing for retailers
Export sales High Huge global millet demand

Diversifying helps stabilize revenue.

6. Marketing Strategies for Millet Business

Local SEO & Digital Marketing

  • Create a Google Business Profile for visibility in local markets
  • Use Instagram & YouTube for nutrition-based content
  • Blog articles targeting keywords like:
     “How to start millet atta business in India”
     “Benefits of millet food products”

Retail & Distribution Strategy

  • List products on Amazon, Flipkart, JioMart, Zepto, BigBasket

  • Tie up with:
    • Organic stores
    • Gyms & wellness centers
    • Cafes & bakeries for collaborations

Offline Brand Promotion

  • Participate in millet exhibitions, food fairs, Startup India events
  • Offer product sampling campaigns at supermarkets

7. Challenges in Millet-Based Manufacturing

Challenge

Solution
Lack of awareness among some consumers Aggressive marketing + nutritional education
Shelf-life management for snacks & flour Controlled packaging, preservatives within FSSAI standards
Pricing vs. wheat/rice competitors Value-based branding & premium positioning
Raw material seasonality Secure supplier contracts with farmers & FPOs

8. Government Support & Subsidies

Entrepreneurs can access:

  • PM-FME Scheme — 35% capital subsidy for food processing units
  • MSME Udyam schemes — collateral-free loans
  • NABARD assistance — food processing infra funding
  • Millet-focused support by APEDA and state agriculture missions for exports and branding

The government is pushing millet-based products strongly in public programs like ICDS and mid-day meals — signaling strong future demand.

9. Future Potential

  • Rapid shift toward healthy snacking
  • Growing popularity in fitness-focused diet plans
  • Expanding export demand for ready-to-eat millet products
  • Scope for innovation: millet noodles, millet yogurts, millet beverages

Millets are not just a trend — they are India’s future staple for nutrition security.

Conclusion

Starting a millet-based products manufacturing business in India is a high-growth, future-ready opportunity. With rising demand, strong government backing, and expanding exports, entrepreneurs can build a profitable brand by focusing on quality, innovation, and digital-first branding.

By choosing the right product line, following compliance norms, and building strong distribution — you can successfully tap into India’s booming health-food market.

Want to grow your Millet-Based Products brand online?

Explore our complete guide on Digital Marketing for Millet Manufacturing Businesses and learn how to increase visibility, attract health-conscious consumers, connect with retailers and distributors, and build a trusted millet-focused food brand across India.