RAMBAN: The Department of Horticulture Planning and Marketing, under the guidance of District Administration, on Thursday organized a one-day awareness workshop on the PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme for young technocrats and members of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) at Government Polytechnic College Chanderkote.

The event was attended by Area Marketing Officer (AMO) Tehsin Chib; Principal of the Polytechnic College, Vivek Mahajan; AGMO Batote; GMI Raju Zutshi; and District Resource Person (DRP-PMFME) Mudassar Rashid. A large number of individuals including students, FPO members from Bungus Valley, women, and unemployed youth participated in the workshop.

The officials and experts briefed the participants on various aspects of the PMFME scheme. They emphasized that the scheme is proving a game changer in rural entrepreneurship by providing financial and technical support to individuals and groups interested in food processing.

The AMO urged the participants to take full advantage of the scheme and become part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative launched by the Prime Minister of India.

The District Resource Person provided detailed information on the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPR), required documentation for bank loans, and necessary certifications including FSSAI license and Udyam registration.

The District Nodal Officer PMFME highlighted that the scheme is especially benefiting women and unemployed youth, enabling them to become self-reliant and even job creators. He informed that 17 processing units have already been established under PMFME in Ramban, generating employment for over 150 people.

The officials elaborated that the central government scheme, being implemented by the J&K Agriculture Production Department, offers 35% subsidy, easy access to bank finance, assistance in documentation and DPR preparation, and full handholding support including branding and marketing.

The workshop concluded with an interactive session where queries from participants were addressed, and successful case studies from within the district were also shared to motivate aspiring entrepreneurs.