New Delhi: Himachal Pradesh has secured the 2nd Runner-up position 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) at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, on August 24–25.
The Best Performing State Award was presented by Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan. Ramesh Verma, Joint Director, Industries, received the award on behalf of the Department of Industries, Himachal Pradesh.
Industries Minister Harshwardhan Chauhan described the recognition as a proud milestone for Himachal Pradesh and said it reflected the state’s commitment to promoting micro food-processing enterprises, empowering women-led Self Help Groups (SHGs) and strengthening the rural economy through value addition and entrepreneurship.
He said the state government would continue to expand the reach of the PMFME Scheme to ensure that more entrepreneurs and communities benefit from the opportunities created through food processing and entrepreneurship.
Principal Secretary (Industries) M. Sudha said the award reflected the dedicated and coordinated efforts of government officers, SHGs and other stakeholders working to implement the scheme at the grassroots level. Director of Industries Aaditya Negi said the achievement highlighted the effectiveness of the department’s collaboration with District Industries Centres, banks, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and SHGs.
As part of the state’s progress under the PMFME Scheme, 2,906 loans have so far been sanctioned in Himachal Pradesh. These loans involve a total project cost of ₹191.73 crore, with subsidy assistance of ₹73.17 crore.
The scheme has also provided significant support to women-led SHGs. Around 16,083 SHG members have received seed capital amounting to ₹59.29 crore. The assistance has enabled women farmers and SHG members to undertake food-processing activities, strengthen their livelihoods and move towards greater economic self-reliance.
To further strengthen the ecosystem for micro food-processing enterprises, three incubation centres are being established at Chaudhary Sarwan Kumar Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya (CSK HPKV), Palampur; Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kukumseri in Lahaul and Spiti; and Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan.
The proposed incubation centres will support micro enterprises in improving product quality, upgrading processing techniques and strengthening their production capabilities.
The PMFME Conclave also recognised the contribution of officials involved in implementing the scheme in Himachal Pradesh. Sanjay Kanwar, District Nodal Officer, Shimla, was felicitated with the Best District Nodal Officer Award, while Ravinder Singh, District Resource Person (DRP), received the Best DRP Award.
Jatin Behal, State Lead Programme Manager, and Aastha Negi, Marketing Manager, were also present at the event.
Himachal Pradesh’s food-processing products also received a platform at the PMFME Bazaar during the conclave. Aaryan Sharma and Shantanu Sharma from Ras Culinary Co. showcased their product ‘Kulut Beverages’ at the event.
The Directorate of Industries, Himachal Pradesh, is the nodal department for implementation of the PMFME Scheme in the state. It has been working in coordination with District Industries Centres, banks, SHGs, FPOs, District Nodal Officers, District Resource Persons and other stakeholders.
The state’s recognition at the national level comes as its food-processing ecosystem continues to expand, with financial assistance, seed capital, incubation support and institutional coordination aimed at encouraging rural entrepreneurship and creating new livelihood opportunities.
