Workshops and seminars on Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro food processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme was held in Dimapur and Tuensang districts to encourage prospective food processing entrepreneurs, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Farmers Producer Organization (FPOs) and existing food processing units to avail financing of project under the scheme.
The PMFME scheme was launched by the Ministry of Food Processing Industry (MoFPI) government of India under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan” with the aim to enhance the competitiveness of existing individual micro-enterprises in the unorganised segment of the food processing industry and promote formalisation of the sector. The scheme has a special focus on supporting groups engaged in agri-food processing such as farmer FPOs, SHGs and Producers Cooperatives along their entire value chain.
‘Lack of finance should not hamper entrepreneurship’
District Industries Centre (DIC) Dimapur general manager, Y. Hutovi Chisho said lack of finances should not be the reason for slow growth of entrepreneurship because there are many government-sponsored schemes and incentives where entrepreneurs could avail benefits. A press release by DIC Dimapur informed that he was speaking at the one-day seminar cum workshop on PMFME was conducted by DIC Dimapur on November 10 at the Conference Hall, Hotel Saramati, Dimapur.
He then encouraged the participants to take opportunity in availing credit through PMFME scheme and create employment opportunities for others by setting up quality food processing units. Chisho also stressed on the importance development of technical skill in food processing sector. Speaking on the scheme modalities and operational guidelines, functional manager, Lucy Ngouri highlighted various components of scheme and eligibility criteria for application under PMFME scheme.
Designated officer, food safety authority, Samuel Zehol while enlightening the participants about food safety and standard regulations stated that food safety was basic compliance in food processing sector. He also highlighted them on process of food safety registration and licensing components. In a presentation on bank procedure and standard evaluation in financing of project, Union bank of India, Dimapur, branch manager, TS Haokip said the banks are under obligation to sanction a loan of various government sponsored schemes. He, however, added that applicants must observed due diligence set by the banks to avail credit under the scheme.
A power point technical presentation on online application process and financial aspects of credit proposals was delivered by inspector of industries, Kiyelu T Yeptho while inspector of industries, Caleb Wanth gave a presentation on the importance of documentations and compliances in availing assistance under this scheme. Meanwhile, DIC Dimapur has informed individuals, groups, SHG/FPO interested in availing credit under PMFME scheme to contact District Resource Person (DRPs) or visit DIC for further information and assistance.
Benefits of PMFME highlighted
A workshop on PMFME was conducted by the Department of Industries and Commerce (DIC) Tuensang on November 10 at CKS Hall Tuensang with Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Tuensang, Thugchanbemo Tungoe as the special guest.
According to a DIPR report, speaking at the programme, Tungoe advised the participants to take advantage of such workshops on government schemes and avail benefits. He also encouraged them to be communicate with the trainers and clarify their doubts, if any. During the programme, Khumchopi Sangtam highlighted the gathering on the food processing trade for entrepreneurs, government’s programme on One District One Product (ODOP) and how to apply for the PMFME by individuals and SHGs. The formal function was chaired by Tuensang district resource person, Trongtila Sangtam while GM DIC Tuensang, V. Vikheto Yeptho delivered the welcome address.
In the second session, PMFME aims and objectives was highlighted by Tuensang district resource person, Longalong K; modalities and sharing of portal details and how to apply by district resource person, Sucheli Sangtam; knowledge sharing on ODOP for Tuensang district by the department of agriculture, banking modalities and process of application by chief manager SBI Tuensang and support to food processing and eligibility criteria by Tuesang district resource person Tuensang, Dohanba.
