Chamoli, February 4: The Prime Minister’s Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PM-FME) scheme is proving to be a boon for small and home-based food entrepreneurs in Chamoli district. This initiative not only promotes self-employment but also plays a crucial role in empowering the rural economy.
The primary aim of the PM-FME scheme is to organize micro food processing units across the country, provide them with financial assistance, and connect them with modern technology. Eligible beneficiaries receive credit-linked subsidies of up to 35%, enabling them to enhance their small food businesses. This financial support aids in purchasing machinery, increasing production capacity, and improving quality.
Under the scheme, special incentives are provided for products such as pickles, spices, bakery items, lentils, dairy products, coarse grains (millets), and local traditional foods. Beneficiaries also receive training, branding, packaging, and marketing support, helping their products gain better recognition in the market.
A significant feature of the PM-FME scheme is the ‘One District, One Product’ (ODOP) initiative. This promotes traditional and unique products from each district. In hilly regions like Chamoli, this initiative is facilitating better utilization of local resources and creating employment opportunities at the local level. It is expected to curb migration while providing youth with job prospects in their own areas.
Devaraj Singh, a beneficiary of the scheme, shared with a news agency that he has started his self-employment venture through the PM-FME scheme. He produces and sells spices, flour, and other local products, yielding good profits. He expressed gratitude for the government support, noting that his business is steadily progressing.
He emphasized that the government believes the PM-FME scheme will enable small entrepreneurs to become self-reliant and play a significant role in the country’s economic development.
Devaraj Singh remarked that the scheme is highly beneficial, promising substantial advantages for the general public. “We have been part of this scheme for five to six months, and it has been very advantageous for us,” he stated.
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S.K./G.K.T.
