Himachal Secures 2nd Runner-up Position in PMFME Scheme

– Two State Functionaries Felicitated
New Delhi, August 25, 2026: Himachal Pradesh has been adjudged 2nd Runner-up in the Medium State Category for its overall performance under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme at the PMFME Conclave 2026, organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India, at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, on August 24–25, 2026.
The Best Performing State Award was presented by Sh. Chirag Paswan, Hon’ble Minister of Food Processing Industries, Government of India. The award was received by Sh. Ramesh Verma, Joint Director, Industries, on behalf of the Department of Industries, Himachal Pradesh.
Hon’ble Industries Minister, Sh. Harshwardhan Chauhan, stated:
“Himachal Pradesh’s recognition as 2nd Runner-up under the PMFME Scheme is a proud milestone for the State. It reflects our unwavering commitment to nurturing micro food-processing enterprises, empowering women-led SHGs, and strengthening the rural economy through value addition and entrepreneurship. We will continue to expand the reach of this Scheme so that more entrepreneurs and communities benefit from its transformative impact.”
Principal Secretary (Industries), Smt. M. Sudha, said:
“This award is a testimony to the dedication and coordinated efforts of our officers, SHGs, and stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to implement the PMFME Scheme at the grassroots level. Our focus remains on improving access to institutional finance, expanding incubation facilities, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities across Himachal Pradesh.”
Director of Industries, Sh. Aaditya Negi, said:
“The achievement under the PMFME Scheme underscores the effectiveness of our collaborative approach with District Industries Centres, banks, FPOs, and SHGs. We are committed to scaling up support for innovation, product quality, and entrepreneurship, ensuring that the benefits of the Scheme reach every aspiring food-processing enterprise in the State.”
In recognition of their outstanding contribution towards the effective implementation of the PMFME Scheme in the State, Sh. Sanjay Kanwar, District Nodal Officer, Shimla, was felicitated with the Best District Nodal Officer Award, while Sh. Ravinder Singh, District Resource Person (DRP), received the Best DRP Award. Sh. Jatin Behal, State Lead Programme Manager, and Ms. Aastha Negi, Marketing Manager, were also present on the occasion.
Sh. Aaryan Sharma and Sh. Shantanu Sharma from Ras Culinary Co. showcased their product ‘Kulut Beverages’ by setting up a stall at the PMFME Bazaar during the Conclave.
Himachal Pradesh has made significant progress in implementation of the PMFME Scheme. As on date, 2,906 loans have been sanctioned in the State, involving a total project cost of ₹191.73 crore, with subsidy assistance of ₹73.17 crore. These achievements reflect the State’s sustained efforts towards promoting entrepreneurship, formalising micro food-processing enterprises and strengthening the food-processing ecosystem.
The Scheme has also provided substantial support to women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs). Around 16,083 SHG members have been provided Seed Capital disbursement amounting to ₹59.29 crore, enabling women farmers and SHG members to strengthen their livelihoods, undertake food-processing activities and become more economically self-reliant.
Three Incubation Centres are being established at Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSK HPKV), Palampur; Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kukumseri (Lahaul & Spiti); and Dr. YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, to support micro enterprises in upgrading product quality and processes.
The Directorate of Industries, Himachal Pradesh, as the nodal department for implementation of the Scheme in the State, has been working in close coordination with District Industries Centres, banks, SHGs, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), District Nodal Officers (DNOs), District Resource Persons (DRPs) and other stakeholders. Concerted efforts are being made to facilitate beneficiaries, improve access to institutional finance and ensure effective implementation of the Scheme at the grassroots level.
The latest recognition assumes added significance as Himachal Pradesh had earlier received the Outstanding Performance under PMFME Award at World Food India 2023, which was presented by the then Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu.