A meeting of the State Level Approval Committee (SLAC) and District Level Committee (DLC) for the implementation of the Prime Minister Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme was held on February 7 at the VC Hall, Civil Secretariat, Ladakh. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor, UT Ladakh.

The session began with a presentation by the Director of Industries and Commerce, Ladakh, on the Project Implementation Plan (PIP) of the PMFME Scheme. Discussions covered the scheme’s objectives, including support for micro-enterprises, self-help groups (SHGs), farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and cooperatives. Key initiatives such as seed capital assistance, common infrastructure development, incubation centers, and branding and marketing support were also reviewed.

The committee examined the approved PIP, budget allocation, and expenditures for the financial years 2022-2025, along with the proposed implementation and budget plan for FY 2025-26. Strategies for promotional activities to increase awareness and participation in the scheme were also discussed.

Advisor Dr. Pawan Kotwal emphasized the need for standardized facilities and well-equipped testing labs to ensure high-quality production in the micro food processing sector. He directed officials to extend maximum support to beneficiaries through various centrally sponsored schemes.

Highlighting the importance of public welfare, Dr. Kotwal stressed that all decisions and initiatives must prioritize societal well-being. The SLAC committee, chaired by the Advisor to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor/Chief Secretary of UT Ladakh, approved the Project Implementation Plan for FY 2025-26. The department was instructed to forward the approved Action Plan to the Ministry of Food Processing Industries for final consideration and approval.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department, Sanjeev Khirwar; Administrative Secretary, Agriculture, Bhupesh Chaudhary; Administrative Secretary, Technical Education, Bhanu Prabha; Director, Industries and Commerce Department, Mohd Nazir; Director, Rural Development Department, Sajjad Qadri; Director, Accounts & Treasuries, Dr. Safdar Ali; Director, Animal Husbandry, Dr. Mohd Ismail, along with representatives from NABARD, banking, finance, marketing, and branding sectors.