One of the largest industries in India is the Food Processing. While the while opportunities for growth are limitless, the sector already extends livelihood to scores of people. Considering the need to enhance competitiveness, in 2020, the Prime Minister’s Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme was launched under the Atmanirbhar Abhiyan. The scheme is focussed on enhancing prospects of micro-enterprises in the unorganised food processing sector by promoting their formalisation. It supports Farmer Producer Organisations, Self Help Groups, and Producers Cooperatives using the One District One Product (ODOP) approach for economies of scale. While the State Nodal Agency is Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation Limited, EDII is the ‘State Project Management Unit (SPMU)’ for the State of Gujarat. EDII works across all districts of Gujarat, on all the components of the scheme, including Subsidy Credit Linkages, Seed Capital, Common Infrastructure, Marketing and Branding and Capacity Building of Beneficiaries.
Ongoing Activities
On August 17, 2024, Krishi Vikas Kendra (KVK), Vraya, under Navsari Agricultural University, organized an awareness programme on the Prime Minister Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme. The event coincided with the celebration of Honey Bee Day and saw active participation from 45 individuals, primarily honey bee trainers and enthusiasts from Tapi district. The participants gained information about the benefits of the PMFME scheme, particularly for local beekeepers and micro-entrepreneurs involved in honey processing.
Another awareness campaign was organized on the same day, at Pipalkuva Dudh Mandli in Songdh, Tapi. The event addressed 250 beneficiaries of the Bagayat Niyamakshri kacheri about the benefits of the PMFME scheme, and its potential in formalizing and supporting micro food processing enterprises in rural areas.
The event was chaired by Shri Kuvarjibhai Halpati, Rajya Mantri for Adijati Vikas, Shram, and Rojgar Gram Vikas. Shri Halpati highlighted government's efforts to empower tribal and rural communities through entrepreneurship. Keyurkumar Patel, Manager, Food Technology, EDII provided further insights into the scheme, covering areas such as financial assistance, technical support, and market linkages available to small and micro food processors.
Similar workshops were organized across Gujarat, including; Devbhoomi Dwarka, Auro University, Surat, Patan, Charadva village, Morbi, Valsad and Anand Agriculture University, Anand to educate stakeholders on the benefits of the scheme and the immense potential that could be tapped in the sector of Food Processing and Food Technology.
As the State Project Management Unit (SPMU) of Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation Limited, EDII participated in the ‘World Food India 2024’. The Institute collaborated with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Govt of India. The 3-day global event from 19th to 22nd September 2024 showcased EDII's contributions towards formalization of micro-enterprises under various schemes, thus facilitating value addition in the food processing sector.