Ministry of Food Processing Industries Implements PMFME Scheme for Micro Food Processing Enterprises

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has taken a step towards the Vocal for Local initiative as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan by implementing the PM Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme.

This centrally sponsored scheme aims to provide financial, technical, and business support to micro food processing enterprises in India for setting up or upgrading their businesses. With an outlay of Rs. 10,000 Crore, the scheme will be operational for five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25.

Under the credit linked subsidy component of the PMFME Scheme, 27,003 loans have been sanctioned in the country, including 5,864 loans in the State of Maharashtra. The PMFME scheme is designed to address the challenges faced by micro enterprises and promote formalization of the sector.

Assistance available to Micro Food Processing Enterprises under PMFME Scheme includes credit-linked capital subsidy, seed capital for SHGs, support for common infrastructure, branding and marketing support, and capacity building.

Capacity building and training are critical components of the scheme for technical upgradation and formalization of micro food processing enterprises. The scheme envisages training for Entrepreneurship Development Skilling (EDP+), compliance of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) standards, general hygiene, and other statutory compliances.

District Resource Persons (DRPs) have been appointed to provide handholding support to micro food processing enterprises for the compliance of FSSAI and other statutory requirements. The scheme aims to enhance the competitiveness of new and existing individual micro-enterprises in the unorganized segment of the food processing industry.