BANDIPORA: In a significant move to promote rural entrepreneurship and empower micro food processing enterprises, department of Sheep Husbandry Bandipora-designated as the Nodal Department for the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme organized a workshop-cum-awareness programme at KVK Putshahi Bandipora.

The event aimed to sensitize stakeholders about the various facets of the PMFME scheme and provide on-the-spot support for beneficiary registration.

Dr. Peer Irshad, District Nodal Officer (PMFME), briefed the participants on the broader vision of the scheme, emphasizing its role in providing financial and technical assistance to individual entrepreneurs, Self Help Groups (SHGs), and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). He underlined the scheme's potential to boost rural livelihoods and promote value addition in the local agri-produce.

Wali ul Islam, District Resource Person, conducted an in-depth session outlining the key components, eligibility criteria, and application procedures of the scheme. He urged participants to utilize the scheme to develop viable, self-sustaining food processing enterprises. He also facilitated on-the-spot registration of interested beneficiaries, streamlining their access to the scheme.

The programme witnessed an enthusiastic response from over 80 farmers and budding entrepreneurs, who actively participated in the interactive discussions.

One of the highlights of the event was an inspiring interaction with Shaheena, a successful ‘Lakhpati Didi' and beneficiary of the PMFME scheme. She shared her entrepreneurial journey, detailing how she scaled up her food processing unit, Madumati Products, to include a rice mill, oil expeller, and spice processing setup. Using locally sourced ingredients such as water chestnuts from Wular Lake, she showcased how traditional resources can be transformed into high-value products. Her story served as a powerful example of the scheme's impact, particularly in empowering women-led enterprises.

On the occasion, Lead District Manager, J&K Bank, spoke about the banking and insurance solutions available to PMFME beneficiaries. He emphasized the collaborative role of financial institutions in supporting micro-enterprises and advancing rural financial inclusion.

Senior officials including BVO AHD Bandipora, SDO SHD Bandipora, and Technical Officer, DSHO Bandipora also interacted with the participants. They highlighted the convergence of departmental schemes with the PMFME initiative and encouraged stakeholders to explore synergies for broader economic upliftment.