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December 30th, 2024, the Committee of Estimates, Lok Sabha, visited Somnath to review the
progress of Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME)
Scheme and consider establishment of incubation centres and food parks to provide
infrastructure support. Present at the review meeting were: (4th from L) Shri P. P. Chaudhary,
Chairperson, The Joint Committee on the Constitution (1st from L) Shri Jugal Kishore, Hon'ble
MP, Lok Sabha ; (2nd from L)Dr. Bhola Singh, Hon'ble MP, Lok Sabha ; (3rd form L) Shri
Devusinh Chauhan, Hon'ble MP, Lok Sabha; (5th from L) Shri Y.M. Kandpal, Joint Secretary,
Lok Sabha; (6th from L) Mrs .Sheetal Kapoor - Under Secretary Lok Sabha.
Unlocking the Potential of the
Food Processing Sector

The food processing sector is one of the key contributors to India's economy. To aid the
sector's growth in 2020, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Govt. of India
launched the Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises
(PMFME) Scheme, in partnership with the State/ UT Governments under Aatmanirbhar
Bharat Abhiyan. This scheme aims to enhance competitiveness of micro-enterprises in the
unorganized segment of the food processing industry, promote formalization of the sector
and support Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Producers
Cooperatives along their entire value chain. EDII has been actively working across all
districts of Gujarat, implementing all components of the scheme. Some significant
activities undertaken over the last two months include the following:

Multiple awareness programmes were conducted in various districts of Gujarat to raise
awareness among people about the Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food
Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme, thus supporting micro food processing
enterprises in rural areas. In total, more than 400 people were addressed through 7
Awareness and Promotional Workshops at various centers.

Ravi Krishi Mahotsav, held across all districts of Gujarat on December 6 & 7, 2024, provided
a robust platform for promoting the Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food
Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme. As part of the event, a field visit to Kadi facilitated
key discussions with farmers, food processors and local authorities, focusing on the
scheme's benefits. The programme emphasized enhancing value addition to agricultural
produce, fostering rural employment, and empowering local communities.

Overall, efforts under the scheme have help enterprises transition from unorganized to
organized with focused financial, technical and all-encompassing business growth support.

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