Latest news with #PradhanMantriFormalisationofMicroFoodProcessingEnterprises


The Hindu
30-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Stree Nidhi approves ₹2,350 crore credit plan for 2025-26; Seethakka assures action on staff recruitment
HYDERABAD Stree Nidhi Credit Cooperative Federation Ltd. approved an annual credit plan of ₹2,350 crore for the financial year 2025-26 at the 46th Managing Committee meeting held here on Friday. This plan will provide financing for integrated dairy and poultry development, food processing activities under the PMFME (Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises) scheme, micro-enterprises, climate-resilient livelihoods, housing, support for Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), canteens, and rooftop solar units. These interventions form part of the Indira Mahila Shakti programme. Addressing the meeting, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka) assured to clear the file pertaining to recruitment of the staff soon. A state-level coordination committee will be constituted soon and would have the CEO of the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP), MD of Stree Nidhi, CEO of Telangana Mahila Abhivruddhi Samstha (TMAS), and two directors of Stree Nidhi. The committee will work on streamlining coordination with SERP and the Mission for Elimination of Poverty in Municipal Areas (MEPMA). It was proposed that the government be approached to provide a 4% interest subvention on loans extended to SHG members for rooftop solar units. The subvention is expected to be drawn from dividends payable to the government on its equity in Stree Nidhi. Reinforcing its core mandate, the federation aims to establish itself as a reliable financial institution for SHG women, offering timely credit to meet both income-generation needs and emergency requirements. Financing support will also be extended to 3,000 local cable operators connected through the Telangana Fiber Grid Corporation (T-Fiber). SERP CEO Divya Devarajan, and Stree Nidhi MD Vidyasagar Reddy, among others, attended the meeting.


Time of India
22-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
FoodTech Kerala expo showcases innovation in food processing and packaging
Kochi: "We never knew that powders of dried vegetables like carrot and beetroot were available in India, and this is a good means to introduce them to people," said George and Philomena, elderly couple from Vennala who visited the 16th edition of FoodTech Kerala exhibition, which began at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium Ground in the city on Thursday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Being state's premier exhibition of food processing and packaging technology, one of the standout features of this year's edition was the 104 stalls under Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, showcasing a diverse range of innovative products and services from Kerala's own food processing entrepreneurs. The diversity on display in the exhibition reflected Kerala's rich food heritage, including spices, pickles, traditional snacks, seafood products, ready-to-eat coconut chips and nutritional packs manufactured from regional produce. Ripe mango pickle and mushroom pickles were among the standout products. "We are receiving a great response from visitors, who are awed by the variety of jackfruit products. This is a great platform to bring the goodness of jackfruit to the wider populace," said Vijay Kumar from Golden Jack stall. Organized by Cruz Expos, a Kochi-based professional B2B event organizer, the three-day-long exhibition is supported by department of industries, ministry of food processing industry (MFPOI), Kerala Bureau of Industrial Promotion (KBIP) and Kerala Agricultural University (KAU). Officially inaugurating the expo, industries minister P Rajeeve emphasized govt's commitment to supporting MSMEs and startups in the sector. "Three years ago, Kerala's achievement in PMFME was 57% and we were in 12th position. Now, it has increased to 102% and Kerala is in 1st position," he said. HotelTech Kerala, state's premier exhibition for hospitality sector, focused on HORECA (hotels, resorts, restaurants and catering) sector, ran alongside FoodTech Kerala, with over 100 exhibitors displaying linen and furnishings, hotel and kitchen equipment. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Seminars by academic and industry experts marked the second half of the day's events. GM Conclave and Purchase Managers Meet, sponsored by Pune Gas, will be the highlight on Day 2 of HotelTech Kerala 2025. Kerala Barista Workshop (KBW), a five-day intensive workshop conducted by Coffee Board, Bengaluru, is also being held at Chavara Institute, Kochi, from May 20 to 24.


Hindustan Times
19-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Bihar will play a pivotal role in positioning India as global food basket: Paswan
Patna, Maintaining that the vision of a 'viksit Bihar' is inseparable from 'viksit Bharat', Union Minister Chirag Paswan on Monday said the state's fertile land and entrepreneurial spirit will play a pivotal role in positioning India as a global food basket. The Union Minister of Food Processing Industries said this while inaugurating the two-day 'International Buyer Seller Meet ' here. This 'International Buyer Seller Meet' is not just a trade event, it is a turning point for rural prosperity, he said. Reflecting on Bihar's rich civilisation, Paswan highlighted its historic leadership in shaping the nation. "Being the land of Aryabhatta, Sita Mata, Chanakya, Lord Mahavira and Lord Buddha — Bihar has always shown the way. That same potential will now power the growth of food processing sector in the state. We envision Bihar's youth to become job creators, not job seekers. We will ensure every investor is fully facilitated by the government," said the union minister. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries in partnership with Agricultural & Processed Food Products Export Development Authority , Trade Promotion Council of India , and Government of Bihar, is organising the meet. The event aims to bring together key stakeholders from food and allied sectors to promote trade, strengthen exports, and unlock Bihar's agri-food potential. Paswan stated that in the financial year 2024–25, the Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries has sanctioned a record 10,270 loans worth ₹624.42 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises scheme to micro food processing units in Bihar—the highest for any state in the country. He said that this is not a mere coincidence, but the result of the government's focused push to translate the vision of viksit Bihar into ground-level impact. It reflects both the ministry's resolve to strengthen rural enterprise and the resounding trust that Bihar's micro-entrepreneurs have placed in the policies of the government, Paswan added. Drawing a parallel with the ancient glory of Nalanda, where scholars from across the world once came in pursuit of knowledge, he remarked that the newly announced National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management in Bihar will carry forward that legacy. "From being the land of wisdom to becoming a hub of innovation in food, Bihar is once again ready to lead," he said. The Union minister also launched a strategic report titled "Strategies to Boost India's Makhana Exports", underscoring Bihar's leadership in this unique GI-tagged product. Speaking on the occasion, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha highlighted the role of the food processing industry in enhancing farmers income. He also informed the gathering about the launch of the Bihar Krishi App, a dedicated platform to provide farmers with essential support and information. The DyCM invited investors to positively consider the state as a promising and future-ready investment destination. Bihar Industries Minister Nitish Mishra said, "Bihar has the potential to become the growth engine of East India". He mentioned the presence of a Government of India-approved Mega Food Park at Muzaffarpur and encouraged investors to leverage Bihar's industrial infrastructure. He mentioned the state's investor-ready ecosystem and the proactive allotment of land within seven days through the Single Window Clearance System. Significantly, 12 companies announced procurement commitments for rice, pulses, spices, fruits, vegetables, and makhana from Bihar, marking a breakthrough in long-term sourcing partnerships with countries. Seventy international buyers representing 20 countries, including six global retail chains, alongside 50 domestic and 20 institutional buyers, are attending the meet. The meet witnessed interest from global players like LuLu Group , SARTAJ , Datar & Sons and Global Foods Trading , who are exploring large-scale procurement of rice, spices, makhana, and fruits from Bihar. Companies such as Royal Golden Trading and UVR Natural Foods have also announced concrete sourcing plans, reaffirming Bihar's emergence as a trusted sourcing hub under the proactive efforts of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, said the statement issued by the state Industries department.


Time of India
17-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Delhi expands incubation infra to boost micro food enterprises, startup ecosystem
New Delhi: Industries minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa announced on Saturday the expansion of incubation infrastructure in the city under PM Narendra Modi's flagship Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises scheme. Sirsa said the initiative would strengthen Delhi's efforts to build a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat and Vocal for Local. The minister said two incubation centres were being established at the World Class Skill Centres at Jhandewalan and Wazirpur through Delhi Skills and Entrepreneurship University from the funds provided by the Union food processing industries ministry for Rs 4.5 crore. He added that Rs 45 lakh was already spent on the installation of bakery line equipment. "Delhi's commitment to empowering micro food entrepreneurs is unwavering. Through world-class incubation support and modern infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for a new era of self-reliant, skilled and market-ready micro enterprises," Sirsa said. "Under the leadership of CM Rekha Gupta and the guidance of PM Narendra Modi, Delhi is transforming into an engine of inclusive growth," Sirsa added. In a parallel initiative, Delhi govt is also establishing two cutting-edge IoT labs at the east and main campus and one fabrication lab at the main campus at Netaji Subhas University of Technology for nearly Rs 3 crore received from Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation under its CSR initiative. Sirsa said these centres were aimed at supporting product development, testing and skill-building for startups, students and faculty. "Our goal is to make Delhi the first choice for innovators, MSMEs and skilled youth looking to build future-ready enterprises. These labs will bridge the gap between ideation and execution for startups and local entrepreneurs," the minister said.


Time of India
09-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Bihar tops in implementation of PMFME scheme: Minister
Patna: Bihar secured first position in the country for successfully implementing the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme in the financial year 2024-25, said industries minister Nitish Mishra on Friday. He said under the scheme, loan approval has been granted to 10,296 applicants. Out of these, loans have been disbursed to 6,589 units, which is 63% of the total distribution, he said. "The PMFME is a scheme for establishing entrepreneurship, especially small-scale industries, in the state. Its excellent implementation has pushed Bihar to the top position. This achievement will promote industries and employment in the state," the minister said. The department is undertaking important steps to strengthen the food processing units of the state. Under the scheme, financial assistance is being provided to units at the individual, group, and community levels through subsidies. Individual micro food processing units are being given a credit-linked subsidy of 35% of their project cost (up to a maximum of Rs 10 lakh). For this, the beneficiary's contribution must be at least 10%, and the total investment, including working capital, must be up to 20%. For group units, such as Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), self-help groups, and cooperative societies, a similar subsidy of 35% of the project cost is the Common Facility Centre, FPOs, SHGs, and cooperative societies are being assisted for general infrastructure. Under this scheme, a subsidy of 35% of the project cost (up to a maximum of Rs 3 crore) is possible. The beneficiary group has to make a minimum contribution of 10% and a total capital investment of 20%.The PMFME is a major scheme run by the central govt. Its objective is to promote the unorganised sector of the food processing industry and enhance competition. With the help of this scheme, FPOs, SHGs, and Producer Cooperative Societies also receive their actual categories of beneficiaries can be created under this scheme. These include entrepreneurs, private limited companies, proprietorship firms, partnership firms, NGOs, cooperative societies, FPOs, and self-help groups.