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PMFME scheme powers growth of over 26,000 micro food units in Maharashtra
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Monday, 29 December, 2025, 12 : 00 PM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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Maharashtra’s micro food processing sector has received a substantial boost under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme, with the Central government releasing Rs 646.24 crore for its implementation across the state. This financial support is expected to drive formalisation, capacity expansion, and greater market participation among small food processors across rural and urban belts.
Under the PMFME scheme, 26,172 micro food processing enterprises in Maharashtra have been sanctioned loans linked to credit-subsidy support, aimed at helping units set up new facilities or modernise existing ones. The credit-linked subsidy component provides up to 35% capital support for eligible project costs, helping these small players invest in essential equipment, quality improvement and enhanced production capacity.
In addition to enterprise loans, the scheme’s seed capital support has reached 53,146 Self Help Group (SHG) members, enabling them to meet working capital needs and purchase tools essential for food processing activities. This grassroots intervention is designed to empower rural communities, especially women entrepreneurs who are central to many SHGs.
Market access and product competitiveness have also been targeted under the scheme, with four proposals approved for Branding and Marketing support in Maharashtra. These efforts focus on packaging upgrades, compliance with regulatory standards, and developing stronger linkages with buyers in domestic and export markets.
Capacity building remains a key pillar of the initiative. Nearly 36,000 beneficiaries in the state have undergone training, enhancing their skills in production techniques, quality management, and business operations. Maharashtra has also seen approval for three incubation centres, which will provide shared processing facilities and support start-ups and innovators within the food processing ecosystem.
The multi-pronged support under PMFME aims to not only formalise thousands of small food enterprises, but also strengthen rural livelihoods, drive value addition and integrate Maharashtra’s food processors into organised supply chains as part of a broader push to scale India’s food processing sector.
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