PMFME Scheme 2025: Up to ₹15 Lakh Subsidy to Promote Micro Food Processing Enterprises in India
The Government of India, in collaboration with state governments, is continuously striving to strengthen rural entrepreneurship and generate employment opportunities. One of the key initiatives in this direction is the Pradhan Mantri Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme, which aims to support small-scale food processing businesses across the country. Under this scheme, eligible entrepreneurs can receive financial assistance of up to ₹15 lakh, encouraging farmers, women, and youth to establish food processing units in their own localities.
Objective of the PMFME Scheme
The primary goal of the PMFME scheme is to promote micro food processing enterprises in rural areas, ensuring value addition of agricultural produce. By providing financial and technical support, the government seeks to:
- Boost local entrepreneurship and self-employment.
- Increase income opportunities for farmers, women, and youth.
- Enhance the quality and market reach of locally processed food products.
- Promote exports of niche food items produced in rural areas.
This scheme is implemented jointly by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) and various state governments, ensuring a coordinated effort to uplift the rural economy.
Financial Assistance under the Scheme
The PMFME Scheme provides a maximum financial assistance of ₹15 lakh per unit, which is shared between the central and state governments.
- Central Government Contribution: ₹6 lakh
- State Government Contribution: ₹9 lakh
The funds can be used for the establishment of new processing units, upgrading existing facilities, purchasing machinery, or acquiring necessary certifications for better market acceptance.
Who Can Apply?
The PMFME Scheme is designed to be inclusive, allowing a wide range of beneficiaries to apply. The eligibility criteria include:
- Any individual above the age of 18 years.
- Farmers, women entrepreneurs, youth, and self-help groups.
- Private organizations and farmer producer organizations (FPOs).
- Bank-loan beneficiaries can also apply.
- There is no formal educational qualification required to apply.
This flexibility ensures that anyone with entrepreneurial intent and the ability to manage a small enterprise can benefit from the scheme.
Types of Units Eligible for Subsidy
The scheme encourages the establishment of various micro food processing units, including but not limited to:
- Millets and Cereal Processing Units – For products like flour, flakes, and ready-to-cook mixes.
- Sugar, Jaggery, and Honey Units – Value addition of sugarcane and honey.
- Bakery Products – Bread, cakes, and other baked goods.
- Cold-Pressed Oil Units – Extraction of oils from seeds like sesame, groundnut, and sunflower.
- Spice Grinding Units – Production of chili powder, turmeric, and other spices.
- Fruits and Vegetables Processing Units – Including jam, juice, pickles, and sauces.
- Meat and Poultry Units – Small-scale processing for local markets.
- Fish and Seafood Processing Units – Localized value addition for export or domestic markets.
- Ginger, Turmeric, and Specialty Plant-Based Products – Niche products for high-value markets.
These diverse options allow entrepreneurs to choose an enterprise based on local resources, market demand, and personal expertise.
Application Process
Applying for the PMFME Scheme is straightforward and can be completed online through the official portals:
Steps to Apply:
- Visit the official PMFME website.
- Register by providing personal and business details.
- Choose the type of unit you want to establish.
- Upload necessary documents, including identity proof, address proof, and bank details.
- Submit the application online.
- Await verification and approval from the concerned authorities.
Successful applicants may also receive technical assistance, training, and guidance to ensure smooth operation of their units.
Achievements So Far
The PMFME scheme has already made a significant impact in several states:
- Over 20,000 applications were submitted in the last 5 years.
- 6,698 units have been approved and supported.
- Karnataka alone has established around 1,700 small-scale millet processing units, 783 oil units, 380 jaggery units, and 180 spice processing units.
- Many processed products from these units are now reaching international markets, boosting rural exports.
The scheme also includes district resource persons, who assist applicants in understanding the application process, provide free training for 2 days, and offer guidance on unit operations.
Benefits of the PMFME Scheme
Entrepreneurs and local communities enjoy multiple benefits under this scheme:
- Financial Support – Reduce initial investment burden.
- Skill Development – Training programs to enhance technical know-how.
- Market Linkages – Help in branding, packaging, and selling products.
- Employment Generation – Create jobs in rural areas.
- Export Opportunities – Facilitates sale of processed products in domestic and international markets.
This scheme is especially beneficial for women and youth, empowering them to become financially independent while supporting local agriculture.
Key Resources and Contacts
For more details and updates:
- PMFME Official Website
- Karnataka State Portal
- Contact your local district office for application support.
Application Link
ಕನ್ನಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಓದಲು ಇಲ್ಲಿ 👉 ಕ್ಲಿಕ್ ಮಾಡಿ
Conclusion
The PMFME Scheme is a game-changer for rural India, providing a unique opportunity for self-employment, skill enhancement, and financial empowerment. By offering substantial financial support and technical guidance, the scheme encourages farmers, women, and youth to establish food processing units in their own villages, ensuring sustainable income and contributing to rural development.
Entrepreneurs looking to capitalize on the growing demand for processed food products should consider applying to this scheme to benefit from the ₹15 lakh financial assistance, training support, and potential market linkages.
