Fisheries deptt organises awareness workshop on PMFME scheme at Shangus

Anantnag, Jun 6: To inform and empower local entrepreneurs, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and small-scale food processors about the wide-ranging benefits of the PMFME scheme, Department of Fisheries Anantnag Friday organized an awareness workshop under the Prime Minister Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme here.
Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Shangus Anantnag East, Riyaz Khan, graced the occasion as chief guest. In his address, he emphasized the government’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship in the fisheries and allied sectors. “With focused initiatives in areas such as fish processing, bakery production, pickle making, and fruit and vegetable processing, we aim to create sustainable employment avenues for the youth and rural communities,” he stated.
The workshop witnessed an encouraging response, with over 100 participants registering on the spot. Many expressed keen interest in setting up or upgrading their micro food processing units under the scheme.
PMFME offers a 35% credit-linked capital subsidy (up to Rs.10 lakh) for individual enterprises, and up to Rs.3 crore for common infrastructure projects by SHGs, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and cooperatives. The scheme also provides crucial support in the form of Detailed Project Report (DPR) preparation, bank loan facilitation, branding, packaging and marketing assistance.
Deputy Director Fisheries Anantnag, Shabir Ahmad Shabir highlighted the department’s ongoing efforts and schemes operational in the district. He provided insights into annual fish production statistics, number of private fish farms supported by the department, and the upcoming schedule for similar awareness and capacity-building programs.
Horticulture Development Officer Shangus, Peerzada Farhat on the occasion spoke about the schemes including High Density Apple Cultivation etc.
Likewise representatives from the line departments spoke about their schemes during the programme
The workshop concluded with an interactive session, where participants engaged with departmental officials and experts on scheme guidelines, eligibility criteria, and business development strategies.