Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Wednesday emphasised the need for effective implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme during a state-level approval committee meeting convened to review its progress.
Presiding over the meeting, Garg directed the MSME department to ensure convergence of PMFME with other government programmes to facilitate the transformation of self-help groups (SHGs) into micro and medium enterprises, while also enabling youth to emerge as first-generation entrepreneurs.
The PMFME scheme, initially scheduled for implementation from 2020–21 to 2024–25, has been extended till the 2025–26 financial year to widen its coverage and allow more micro food processing units in Odisha to benefit.
The meeting reviewed various components of the scheme aimed at formalising unorganised micro food processing enterprises through credit-linked subsidies and technical assistance. Officials said beneficiaries receive support for FSSAI licensing, Udyam registration, GST registration, and access to institutional credit under the scheme.
According to official data, the PMFME initiative has benefitted 31,244 SHGs in Odisha, with 11,517 members receiving training and 3,437 availing credit-linked subsidies. The state has recorded notable progress, with an average loan size of ₹8.25 lakh — higher than the national average of ₹7.50 lakh.
The Chief Secretary reiterated that structured implementation and inter-departmental coordination will be crucial to maximise the scheme’s impact on grassroots entrepreneurship and rural value addition.
-OdishaAge
