The Ministry of Food Processing Industries concluded its annual conclave on 25 August 2026 focused on the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme. The two-day event, held at India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, brought together over 500 people from state governments, banks, technical institutions and grassroots workers to review how the scheme is being implemented across the country.
What happened at the conclave
Five states shared their working methods and lessons learned during implementation of PMFME. District officers and resource persons described their field experiences and the practical steps they have taken to make the scheme work better at the local level.
Technical institutes NIFTEM-Kundli and NIFTEM-Thanjavur explained how they provide technology support, training and guidance to small food processing businesses. A training session was held to build skills of state-level staff using the SNA Sparsh system.
The Ministry also held an awards ceremony to recognise top performing states, union territories and banks. States were ranked in three categories: Large, Medium and Small States and Union Territories. Banks received awards across all categories. State Rural Livelihood Missions and State Urban Livelihood Missions were acknowledged for their role.
Outstanding District Nodal Officers and District Resource Persons were also honoured. The two best performers from Large States, one each from Medium States and Small States or Union Territories received awards for their work.
The conclave included a session on leadership and entrepreneurship and created opportunities for PMFME beneficiaries to connect with potential buyers and partners.
What this means for you
If you run a small food processing business registered under PMFME, the scheme will now benefit from improved coordination and proven practices being shared between states. Banks that lend to these enterprises have been incentivised to perform better. At the district level, the officers and support staff helping small food businesses navigate the scheme are being recognised and motivated, which should improve the quality of assistance you receive.