Kabi, 07/09/2026: An awareness programme on the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme was organised today at the Block Administrative Centre (BAC), Kabi, Mangan District, with the objective of creating greater awareness among local entrepreneurs, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and prospective food processing beneficiaries about the opportunities and support available under the scheme.
The programme was graced by the Zilla Panchayat Shri Pema Bhutia as the Chief Guest, along with Block Development Officer (BDO), Kabi, Mangan district, Shri Tashi Wangyal Bhutia as the Special Guest. The programme had the presence of BDS President of SHG to support the local progressive entrepreneurs.
Around 100 individuals , comprising of SHGs, FPOs, Cooperative Societies and prospective entrepreneurs participated in the programme, reflecting the strong interest among local communities in food processing and value-addition activities.
In his opening remarks, the Zilla Panchayat, mentioned about the various proactive measures taken by the government in ensuring a congenial environment for prospective entrepreneurs and how the scheme can benefit the entire village if worked on a cluster basis.
The programme featured detailed presentations on various aspects of the PMFME Scheme on behalf of the Department of Food Processing Industries, Government of Sikkim.
Speaking on the PMFME Scheme and the importance of value addition, Mr. Sajal Tamang explained how the scheme can help local producers transform their agricultural and locally available raw materials into value-added food products, thereby enhancing income opportunities and creating sustainable livelihoods.
Mr. Navin Sharma, spoke extensively on packaging, labelling & FSSAI compliances, highlighting the importance of appropriate, attractive and informative packaging in ensuring product quality, consumer confidence, market acceptance and regulatory compliance. He emphasised that packaging is not merely a means of protecting a product but is also an important component of its overall marketability.
Mr. Bibek Sharma, Marketing Manager, PMFME Scheme, spoke on the role of Branding and Marketing in strengthening food processing enterprises. He highlighted how a good product needs to be supported by effective branding, appropriate packaging, market positioning, promotion and access to suitable markets in order to become commercially successful. The presentation also emphasised the importance of developing a complete marketing approach rather than viewing production in isolation.
The bank representatives led by Shri Gopal Lama, AGM, SLBC, SBI, addressed the participants and explained the pivotal role of banks in the PMFME implementation process, particularly with regard to the processing and disbursement of loans and the release of eligible subsidy. Participants were encouraged to maintain proper documentation and coordinate closely with the concerned banking institutions to facilitate the smooth processing of their applications.
Shri P.D.Bhutia, Financial Literacy Camp (FLC), SBI Bank, clearly explained the role of compliance and the healthy relationship that Bank plays.
Shri Deepak Bhandari,BM, Kabi Branch, SBI also attended the event to ensure the handholding support that a local branch offers to PMFME beneficiaries.
A key feature of the programme was its focus on the end-to-end support available under the PMFME Scheme. Participants were made aware that assistance extends beyond financial support and includes handholding at various stages—from online filling of applications and uploading of required documents to processing, value addition, packaging, branding, marketing and market linkage.
The mobilisation and the overall groundwork for the programme were carried by Shri Rinchen Lepcha, BPM, BAC Kabi Tingda.
The programme provided an important platform for interaction between the implementing agencies, financial institutions and local community members. It helped participants gain a clearer understanding of the PMFME Scheme and the opportunities available to them for establishing or strengthening formal food processing enterprises.
The programme concluded on a positive note, as the participants keenly watched the success story videos and the prospect that the scheme held in the long run.
The successful conduct of the programme reaffirmed the importance of continued awareness generation, mobilisation and handholding at the grassroots level to ensure that the benefits of the PMFME Scheme reach prospective entrepreneurs and SHGs across Sikkim.
- Issued by:
Department of Food Processing Industries, Government of Sikkim.