Lucknow : Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya announced that under the Prime Minister Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme, as many as 17,000 micro food processing units have been established across the state.
Speaking at the inauguration of a 15-day fruit preservation training program at the State Community Fruit Preservation and Training Center in Adarsh Nagar, Alambagh, Maurya said that the government aims to establish 1,000 such units in every district.
He urged aspiring entrepreneurs to make the most of the scheme, emphasizing that the government is committed to transforming the youth into job providers rather than job seekers by encouraging them to set up their own food processing ventures.
“The government is fully dedicated to upgrading micro-industries in the state,” he asserted. “Youth who undergo training in food processing must be encouraged to start their own enterprises. This will not only create employment but also contribute to rural and urban economic growth.”
Maurya highlighted that the PMFME scheme offers loans up to ₹30 lakh, with a 35% subsidy component. He also announced that the shortage of trainers at fruit preservation and training centers will soon be addressed. Directing officials to develop an integrated digital portal, he said all trainees should be automatically registered under the PMFME scheme to streamline access to assistance and ensure seamless transition from training to entrepreneurship.
He further recommended that trainees be motivated during training to begin their own enterprises and that they be given comprehensive information about the scheme and its benefits. He stressed the need for wider awareness about the state’s Food Processing Industry Policy, particularly among youth undergoing training.
It was revealed during the event that 1.3 lakh individuals have already received training under various food processing initiatives. The Deputy Chief Minister also emphasized that Uttar Pradesh, being a major producer and consumer market, offers ample opportunity for micro and small food processing businesses to flourish.
Maurya also underlined the importance of linking self-help groups (SHGs) to micro-enterprises and encouraging them to venture into small-scale entrepreneurship. Prior to his address, he visited stalls set up by micro-enterprise units and also participated in a tree plantation drive on the training center premises. The event was also addressed by Principal Secretary of Horticulture, Food Processing & Sericulture Department, B.L. Meena, Director of Horticulture & Food Processing, Vijay Bahadur Dwivedi, and Deputy Director of Food Processing, S.K. Chauhan.
