Pradhanmantri Sukshma Khady Udyog Unnayan Yojana Opens Doors of Opportunities
Published on: January 07, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Raipur, India
Hard working people with unwavering determination to attain their goals not only transform their own lives but also become a source of inspiration for society at large. Shri Pradeep Kumar Ramrao Deshpande, a resident of Vaishali Nagar, Rajnandgaon, has demonstrated through his firm determination that with the right planning and sustained effort, a strong foundation for self-reliance can indeed be laid.
Subsidy up to ₹10 Lakh under PM Micro Food Processing Scheme
Pradhanmantri Sukshma Khady Udyog Unnayan Yojana (PMFME) (Prime Minister’s Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme) is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Government of India aimed at empowering, formalising and promoting small entrepreneurs (micro enterprises) in the food processing sector. Under the scheme, new and existing enterprises are provided credit-linked subsidy of up to 35 per cent, subject to a maximum of ₹10 lakh, along with branding and marketing support, along with common infrastructure facilities and training. These initiatives enable entrepreneurs to enhance income and competitiveness under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local.
PMFME Scheme Becomes a Gateway to Self-Reliance
Under the Prime Minister’s Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme, Shri Pradeep Kumar Ramrao Deshpande established his enterprise, taking a significant step towards self-employment. The scheme not only provided him with financial assistance, but also offered essential guidance for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Financial Stability through Minor Forest Produce-Based Enterprise
Recognizing the vast potential of minor forest produce available in the state, Pradeep set up a processing unit based on chironji, harra and bahera. For machinery procurement and construction of a shed, a loan of ₹5 lakh 50 thousand was sanctioned, out of which a grant of ₹2 lakh 13 thousand 500 was received under the PMFME scheme.
Sustainable Employment for Women Self-Help Group
With the establishment of the enterprise, Shri Pradeep Kumar Ramrao Deshpande provided employment opportunities to the women of Sanskardhani Mahila Krishak Abhiruchi Self-Help Group located at Kaurinbhatha. This initiative provided the women with a stable source of income, guiding them towards self-reliance and bringing about positive changes in the economic condition of their families.
Also read- https://www.btnewsindia.com/farmers-in-rajnandgaon-shift-towards-organic-farming-as-natural-agriculture-gains-momentum/ https://www.btnewsindia.com/food-safety-department-intensifies-vigilance-on-paneer-and-dairy-products-in-rajnandgaon/
Enhanced Production and Value Addition through Modern Machinery
Utilizing the financial support received under the scheme, he procured a chironji decorticator machine from ITI Mumbai. Through this machine, the outer shell of chironji is removed to extract the kernel, while the shells are being used to produce charcoal. In addition, oil extraction from chironji, harra and bahera kernels is being carried out, along with bark separation using a harra-bahera decorticator machine.
Solar-Powered Processing Unit
Keeping in view the challenges of electricity supply in rural and forest areas, Shri Deshpande operates his processing unit using a solar power plant. The use of solar energy has reduced the electricity bill to zero and ensured uninterrupted production, resulting in a significant reduction in operational costs.
Business Expansion Across Four States, Annual Income of ₹4 Lakh
Due to sustained market demand for chironji, harra and bahera products, his business has now expanded beyond Chhattisgarh to Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Odisha. Through this enterprise, he earns an annual income of approximately ₹4 lakh, leading to a marked improvement in his standard of living.
Integration of Forest Conservation, Livelihood and Awareness
This initiative has enhanced awareness regarding the collection of minor forest produce, plant conservation and sustainable livelihoods in forested regions. Employment opportunities for women self-help group members are fostering economic empowerment and generating new avenues of livelihood at the local level.
Pradeep expresses Gratitude to the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister
Shri Pradeep Kumar Ramrao Deshpande stated that the Prime Minister’s Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme has proven to be highly effective in promoting self-employment. He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai for the initiative.
(The author of this article, Dhananjay Rathore, is a Joint Director in the Public Relations Department of the Government of Chhattisgarh, Laxmikant Kosaria, Deputy Director
