New Delhi, March 10 India imported approximately USD 1.6 billion worth of centrifuges and filtration equipment in 2024-25, compared to exports of just over USD 1 billion, according to a new study.
The report, released here on Tuesday by the Good Food Institute (GFI) India and the National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management, Thanjavur (NIFTEM-T), said that India has the potential to emerge as a global manufacturing hub for plant-based protein processing equipment, but must address critical technological shortcomings to realize this opportunity.
The study examined three equipment categories central to the plant-based protein supply chain – extruders, dryers, and separators – used in the production of plant-based meat, dairy, eggs, and seafood, an official statement said.
It found that while India has 150-200 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in these categories that are cost-competitive and mechanically robust, but they lack the capability for high-performance, precision manufacturing at scale.
It also noted that India has no indigenous manufacturers of food-grade ultrafiltration membranes, while high-end freeze dryers and centrifuges remain almost entirely imported.
"This study addresses a foundational constraint that has long held back India's 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. What's needed now is a targeted, coordinated push from government and industry to act on these recommendations," he added.
The report identified priority export opportunities in Russia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and African markets, where India's price-performance ratio gives it a competitive advantage.
GFI India Senior Scientist (Plant-based) Dr Padma Ishwarya S, said investment in R&D infrastructure and equipment testing facilities would enable India to develop high-performance food-grade processing equipment serving both domestic and global markets.
NIFTEM-T Director V Palanimuthu said the report provides a roadmap for strengthening India's smart protein processing equipment ecosystem by identifying critical technological gaps and opportunities.
The report was launched at the 4th Plant-Based Foods Summit on the sidelines of the 40th AAHAR 2026 in New Delhi in the presence of Takayuki Hagiwara, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Representative in India, officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and representatives from the governments of Germany and Saskatchewan.