Gujarat has achieved the highest implementation rate of the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme across the country, onboarding 675 beneficiaries since the scheme&rsquo;s inception. The initiative, launched by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries on June 29, 2020, was designed to uplift the vast unorganised micro food processing sector by extending financial assistance, technological upgrades, and business development support.
As per the official release on Monday, Gujarat&rsquo;s leading position in the scheme&rsquo;s execution is attributed to effective coordination between central support and state-level facilitation. The scheme extends multiple layers of assistance, including a capital subsidy of 35% on eligible project costs up to Rs 10 lakh, Rs 40,000 seed capital per Self-Help Group (SHG) member, and 50% financial aid for branding and marketing initiatives.&nbsp;
Additionally, structured training programmes are provided for enhancing technical and business capabilities.
One of the state&rsquo;s most notable success stories is that of Lalit Thummar from Navsari, who began his entrepreneurial journey producing banana wafers in his kitchen. Initially operating at a small scale with just 1&ndash;2 kilograms, Thummar struggled to meet the growing demand using manual techniques.&nbsp;
With PMFME&rsquo;s backing, he installed automated equipment for peeling, slicing, and frying, scaling up his daily capacity to 6 tonnes of raw bananas. This technological shift ensured consistent quality, improved hygiene, and extended product shelf life, enabling Surbhi Wafers Pvt Ltd to export 1.5 tonnes of banana wafers daily to seven international destinations. The enterprise has contributed to rural employment, particularly for women, and provided reliable procurement channels for banana farmers.
In Ahmedabad, Bakulesh D Nagar, who produces a range of health supplements including protein powders and energy drinks, utilised the scheme&rsquo;s capital subsidy and expert advice to upgrade his manufacturing unit.&nbsp;
Modern machinery and advanced packaging lines were introduced, significantly enhancing productivity, packaging standards, and brand reputation. With a customer base comprising fitness centres and health-conscious individuals, Nagar&rsquo;s business has flourished, demonstrating the scheme&rsquo;s role in encouraging quality improvement and innovation.
Similarly, Mayur Vaghasiya of Surat expanded his family-run venture into a large-scale enterprise with support from PMFME. What began in 1998 as a small 10&times;10 square foot rented shop with three workers has evolved into Ghanshyam Flour Mill, now operating three manufacturing units and eight retail outlets.&nbsp;
Employing 40 people, the mill produces more than 52 types of flour, including wheat, bajra, jowar, maize, and special flours for idli and dokla. These products are now shipped to overseas markets. Drawing inspiration from his father&rsquo;s business, Vaghasiya managed every aspect of the operation&mdash;from sourcing raw materials to distribution.&nbsp;
He stressed the importance of operational discipline and systems, stating, &ldquo;From anger, love is born,&rdquo; and credited his team&rsquo;s commitment and structured planning, including daily inventory checks and clear standard operating procedures, for the enterprise&rsquo;s success.

Micro food enterprises in Gujarat scale new heights with support from the PMFME scheme launched in 2020.

Gujarat Tops in PMFME Scheme with 675 Beneficiaries

Micro food enterprises in Gujarat scale new heights with support from the PMFME scheme launched in 2020.

July 8, 2025 | 18:15 IST