Leh, Dec 29: Department of Industries and Commerce, UT Ladakh conducted an awareness camp for Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME)scheme in Skurbuchan block of Leh district.

Beronica Barua, State Lead Project Manager, SPMU-PMFME gave detailed information outlining the components and objectives of the scheme. She stated that the objective of the scheme is to encourage the progressive farmers/SHGs and entrepreneurs to engage in food processing sector and maximise the potential of food processing and agricultural activities. She informed that the scheme provides support to both new and existing food processing units with credit linked grant of 35% with a maximum ceiling of Rs. 10 Lakh and aims to support individual enterprises, FPOs, Self-help groups & Producer cooperatives by providing financial, technical and business support for upgradation of existing micro food processing units and also providing help in setting up new units for interested applicants.

She also apprised the gathering about providing support to FPOs, SHGs and Cooperatives for setting up a common infrastructure. The applicant organisation will be provided 35% subsidy with a maximum ceiling of Rs. 3 crores. She also addressed the gathering about the Seed Capital component of Rs. 40000 that will be provided to each SHG member for working capital and purchase of small equipment/tools who are engaged in the food processing sector.

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Tundup Wangail, Marketing Manager, SPMU-PMFME further added the emphasis on the importance prospectus of every product and helped them in branding and designing of labels. He spoke about the importance of packaging and labelling to enhance the scalability of the food products. He also informed the gathering about the training and research support that will be provided to both PMFME beneficiaries and interested applicants on business planning, basics of marketing, range of technology solutions relevant to food product and processing and packaging prospects.

The awareness camp was attended by the SPMU PMFME team, Sarpanch, Nambardar, Area Extension Officers, Self-Help Group members, individual entrepreneurs, and bank manager from J&K bank.