Page 17 - EDII Report 129

Potential Galore

.... The Food Processing Sector

Food processing is one of the largest industries in India. The industry also witnesses unique
innovations and countless developments, on a regular basis. Realizing the endless potential
for growth and livelihoods for people, in 2020, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries
(MoFPI) launched the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises
(PMFME) scheme under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. This initiative empowers
micro-enterprises by promoting their formalization, capacity building, financial support,
and market linkages. EDII has been actively working across all districts in Gujarat on all
scheme components to maximize impact. Some significant activities undertaken over the
last few months, include the following:
Multiple awareness programmes were conducted in various districts of Gujarat to create
awareness among people about the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food
Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme, thus supporting micro food processing
enterprises in rural areas. In all, 421 people were addressed through 12 Awareness and
Promotional Workshops at various centres.

A diverse cross section of people including, tribal
community members, small entrepreneurs,
potential entrepreneurs with focus on women,
members of sakhi mandals etc. were sensitized.
The beneficiaries were taken through the
benefits of floating small business, beneficial
government schemes, processes and ways of
setting up business.

Agri-Business & Food Processing Conference,
organized in partnership with Knowledge
Chamber of Commerce and Industries, Unjha
being chaired by (Centre) Shri M. Nagarajan,
IAS, Collector and District Magistrate,
Mehsana. The event was attended by (2nd
from R) Shri Bharat Patel, Hon'ble Secretary
General, Knowledge Chamber ofCommerce
and Industry; (1st from L) Dr. Amit Joshi,
Director,Knowledge Chamber of Commerce
and Industry; (1st from R) Dr. Pinal Patel,
Assistant Manager, Gujarat Agro Industries Corporation Limited (GAICL); (2nd from L) Shri Dinesh Patel, Ex-Chairman,
Agricultural Produce Market Committee, Unjha and representatives from National Bank for Agri culture and Rural
Development (NABARD) and Small Industries Development Bank of India(SIDBI).

The initiatives have together sensitized local entrepreneurs and farmers on the huge
potential of commercializing food & agro business.

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