Shillong, March 29: The Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Mahotsav, organized on Friday at All Saint’s Hall in Shillong, highlighted the transformative possibilities of food processing in Meghalaya.

Hosted by the Directorate of Food Processing, Government of Meghalaya, the event brought together micro food processing entrepreneurs, providing them a platform to exhibit their innovations, connect with markets, and evaluate product competitiveness.

In his keynote address, S.C. Sadhu, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, underscored Meghalaya’s vast agricultural and horticultural potential. He emphasized, “We have immense potential in agriculture and horticulture, but for farmers to increase their income, value addition is crucial. Food processing is an effort to bring value addition to farmers and young entrepreneurs.”

Sadhu highlighted the existing subsistence-level food processing efforts by farmers and self-help groups (SHGs), advocating for formalization to drive significant income growth. He detailed the comprehensive support offered under the Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, which includes subsidies of up to ₹10 lakh, seed capital of ₹40,000, branding resources, and market access.

The Secretary also stressed the importance of quality and presentation in winning consumer trust. “While we often say not to judge a book by its cover, packaging is a vital aspect that draws consumers in,” he remarked. Encouraging entrepreneurs to diversify their products and reduce intra-community competition, Mr. Sadhu called for creativity and innovation in product development.

Meghalaya’s well-established reputation for high-quality organic produce serves as a robust foundation for growth. By partnering with organizations like the Meghalaya State Rural Livelihoods Society (MSRLS), the PMFME scheme has extended its reach to remote areas, providing thousands of SHGs and individual entrepreneurs with resources to scale up their ventures.

The event featured inspiring success stories from PMFME beneficiaries who shared how the scheme transformed their entrepreneurial journeys. These stories not only illustrated the program’s impact on livelihoods but also reinforced its potential to create jobs, invigorate local markets, and foster sustainable economic development.

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