Plant-based protein equipment: Study flags India import reliance and precision manufacturing gaps

India bought about USD 1.6 billion of centrifuges and filtration equipment in 2024-25. Exports were just over USD 1 billion, a new study said. The study said India could become a manufacturing hub for plant-based protein processing equipment. It said key technology gaps must be fixed to meet that goal.

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The report came from the Good Food Institute GFI India and NIFTEM-T, Thanjavur. It was released on Tuesday. The study said advanced, affordable, and locally serviceable machines are still limited. It also pointed to heavy import dependence for several high-end components and systems.

Plant-based protein processing equipment: trade gap and import dependence

The study said India has no indigenous makers of food-grade ultrafiltration membranes. It said high-end freeze dryers and centrifuges are still almost fully imported. It linked these gaps to the wider trade imbalance in such equipment. The report said reducing reliance on imports needs better precision manufacturing.

The research reviewed three equipment groups used across the supply chain. These were extruders, dryers, and separators. It said these machines support plant-based meat, dairy, eggs, and seafood production. An official statement said these categories are central to processing and scaling smart protein products.

Plant-based protein processing equipment: Indian OEM base and capability gaps

The report estimated India has 150-200 original equipment manufacturers in these categories. It said many are cost-competitive and mechanically robust. However, the study said they lack high-performance, precision manufacturing at scale. It said this limits consistent output and makes global benchmarking difficult.

"This study addresses a foundational constraint that has long held back Indias smart protein sector -- the availability of advanced, affordable, and locally serviceable processing equipment,\" said Arghadeep Saha, Head of Policy, GFI India. \"Our analysis shows that India has the manufacturing DNA to close these gaps. Whats needed now is a targeted, coordinated push from government and industry to act on these recommendations,\" Arghadeep Saha added.

Plant-based protein processing equipment: export markets and investment needs

The report flagged export potential in Russia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and African markets. It said India’s price-performance ratio can help in these regions. It also said stronger local capability could support both exports and domestic demand. The study linked this to better performance and service readiness.

GFI India Senior Scientist Plant-based Dr Padma Ishwarya S, said investment is needed in R&D infrastructure. Dr Padma Ishwarya S also cited the need for equipment testing facilities. The report said such steps would help build high-performance, food-grade processing equipment. It said this could serve Indian and overseas buyers.

NIFTEM-T Director V Palanimuthu said the report offers a roadmap for the ecosystem. V Palanimuthu said it maps key technology gaps and future opportunities. The report was launched at the 4th Plant-Based Foods Summit. The event ran alongside the 40th AAHAR 2026 in New Delhi.

The launch took place with several organisations and officials present. These included Takayuki Hagiwara, Food and Agriculture Organisation FAO Representative in India. Officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also attended. Representatives from the governments of Germany and Saskatchewan were present as well.

With inputs from PTI