Port Blair, July 20: The Industries Department organized Awareness-cum-Application Processing Camp in N&M Andaman District to sensitize all stakeholders and target groups about Prime Minister’s Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME), a Centrally sponsored scheme of Ministry of Food Processing Enterprises. The PMFME scheme has been implemented across A&N Islands under Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan with the objective to formularize new enterprises in food processing sector and strengthen the existing food processing units with a focus to utilize the natural resources of A&N Islands for socio economic development and generation of mass employment. The campaign was organized from July 18 to 20, 2023 across three Sub-Division of the N&M Andaman District.
The awareness programme organized at Pokkadera Gram Panchayat Mayabunder on July 19, 2023, was inaugurated by Shri Ankit Yadav, IAS, Deputy Commissioner N&M Andaman District in the presence of BDO Mayabunder, representatives from different Departments, Pradhans of different Gram Panchayats, PRI members. Aspiring entrepreneurs and local youth participated in the programme.
In his inaugural address, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the opportunities available in the District and motivated the participants to avail the scheme for setting up food based enterprises. Shri Sindhupathi Raja, Assistant Director (Tech) presented the details of PMFME scheme through a power point presentation and listed the feasible food processing projects that could be promoted in the Island. More than 100 people attended the programme and also raised various issues and challenges faced by them. 9 SHG members registered themselves for grant of Seed Capital assistance under the scheme.
In the programme organized at Subhashgram Gram Panchayat Community Hall, Diglipur Subdivision on July 18, Shri Anuj Kumar Bhati, Assistant Commissioner Diglipur graced the occasion in the presence of Pradhans of Diglipur Gram Panchayat. Shri Sindhupathi Raja, Assistant Director (Tech), Directorate of Industries made a Power Point Presentation supported by audio visual films about different food processing activities feasible by availing PMFME scheme. About 75 people attended the programme including SHGs, Farmers & Cooperative Societies.
A similar awareness programme was organized at Rangat Bazaar Zilla Parishad Hall which was attended by 78 participants. The Tehsildar Rangat, Block Development Officer, Senior Veterinary Officer, Branch Manager (SBI), Pradhan, GP Panchayat, Rangat and other PRI Members attended the programme. The Assistant Director (Tech) presented PMFME scheme details and scope of food processing activities in the Districts. An interactive session was held with the participants, where issues and challenges faced by the beneficiaries were discussed threadbare.
At the end of the programme, 21 SHG members expressed their willingness to avail Seed Capital Assistance under PMFME. The Aspirants list will be shared with ANIRLM (Implementing Agency) for observing all formalities as per the scheme.