Himachal Shines on National Stage: PMFME Scheme Earns State Top Honour for Boosting Rural Entrepreneurship
Himachal Pradesh has added another feather to its cap by securing the 2nd Runner-up position in the Medium State Category for its performance under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme. The recognition came at the PMFME Conclave 2026, organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) in New Delhi on August 24-25.
The prestigious award was presented by Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan, with Ramesh Verma, Joint Director of Industries, receiving the honour on behalf of the state.
Calling it a proud moment for Himachal, Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan said the achievement reflects the state’s sustained efforts to strengthen micro food-processing enterprises, support women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs), and create new livelihood opportunities in rural areas. He noted that the government remains committed to expanding the scheme’s reach so that more entrepreneurs can benefit from value addition and food-processing ventures.
Senior officials credited the success to teamwork at every level. Principal Secretary (Industries) M. Sudha said the award demonstrates the impact of coordinated efforts by government departments, SHGs and grassroots stakeholders. Director of Industries Aaditya Negi highlighted the strong collaboration between District Industries Centres, banks, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and SHGs that has helped the scheme gain momentum across the state.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Under the PMFME Scheme, 2,906 loans have been sanctioned in Himachal Pradesh, supporting projects worth ₹191.73 crore, with subsidy assistance of ₹73.17 crore. The initiative has also emerged as a major driver of women empowerment, with over 16,000 SHG members receiving seed capital assistance worth ₹59.29 crore. The support has enabled many women to start food-processing activities, improve household incomes and move towards financial independence.
To further strengthen the sector, the state is establishing three incubation centres at CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur; KVK Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti; and Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan. These centres are expected to provide entrepreneurs with technical support, improved processing methods and product development assistance.
The conclave also recognised individual contributions from Himachal. Sanjay Kanwar, District Nodal Officer, Shimla, received the Best District Nodal Officer Award, while Ravinder Singh was honoured as the Best District Resource Person (DRP) for his role in effectively implementing the scheme.
Himachal’s growing food-processing sector was also showcased at the PMFME Bazaar, where entrepreneurs Aaryan Sharma and Shantanu Sharma from Ras Culinary Co. displayed their product, Kulut Beverages, highlighting the innovation emerging from the state’s startup ecosystem.
The national recognition underscores Himachal Pradesh’s steady progress in building a vibrant food-processing ecosystem. Through financial assistance, incubation support, institutional collaboration and a strong focus on rural entrepreneurship, the state is creating new opportunities for farmers, women and small business owners while strengthening its rural economy.
