The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) organized the PMFME Conclave 2026 on 24–25 August 2026 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi, bringing together over 500 stakeholders who deliberated on strengthening the micro food processing ecosystem and enhancing access to finance, technology and markets.
The Conclave was inaugurated by minister of food processing industries, Chirag Paswan, who also inaugurated the PMFME Bazaar, a major attraction of the two-day event. The Bazaar featured exhibitors from 25 states and union territories, showcasing a wide range of unique, ethnic and traditional food products representing India’s rich culinary and cultural diversity.
During his visit to the Bazaar, the minister interacted with PMFME beneficiaries and exhibitors, explored their products and appreciated their entrepreneurial journeys. The exhibition provided a platform for micro food processing enterprises, self help groups (SHGs), farmer producer organizations (FPOs), cooperatives and individual entrepreneurs to showcase their products, connect with buyers and explore new market opportunities.
The PMFME Bazaar had an impressive range of region-specific and traditional food products, including processed foods, millet-based products, spices, pickles, snacks, beverages and other value-added products. The exhibition highlighted how local raw materials, traditional knowledge and grassroots entrepreneurship were being transformed into market-ready food products through support under the PMFME Scheme.
The Bazaar served as a platform for beneficiaries to gain visibility beyond their local markets and explore opportunities in institutional procurement, modern retail, digital commerce and export markets. It reflected the ministry’s emphasis on moving micro enterprises from production at the local level towards stronger branding, packaging, quality, market access and commercial sustainability.
The two-day conclave had representatives from all states and union territories, district nodal officers, district resource persons, banks and financial institutions, ministries and government organizations, technical institutions, industry bodies, incubation centers and PMFME beneficiaries. The program provides a platform for knowledge sharing, convergence and exchange of successful experiences.
The inaugural session featured a welcome address by Devesh Deval, joint secretary, MoFPI, followed by an address by Avinash Joshi, secretary, MoFPI. The program included felicitation of dignitaries, lamp lighting and screening of a short film on PMFME.
In his brief address, the minister highlighted the importance of strengthening the micro food processing ecosystem and ensuring that entrepreneurs receive support not only through financial assistance but also in areas such as technology, capacity building, quality, branding and market access. He emphasized the need for a stronger and more comprehensive PMFME 2.0 to respond to the evolving needs of micro food processing enterprises.
A key highlight of the inaugural program was the launch of a coffee table book featuring 30 success stories of PMFME beneficiaries, showcasing entrepreneurial journeys from different parts of the country. The event also witnessed the launch of ‘FoodNova’, the Ministry’s quarterly magazine featuring developments, innovations, success stories and emerging trends in the food processing sector.
Three MoUs were also signed with APEDA, ONDC and NABKISAN to strengthen market and institutional linkages for PMFME beneficiaries. The partnerships aim to facilitate wider market access, promote digital commerce and create opportunities for micro food processing enterprises in domestic and export markets.
The first day of the Conclave featured four thematic technical sessions covering access to finance and sustainability; incubation and entrepreneurship; domestic and global market linkages; and strengthening SHG-led food enterprises through clusters and institutional support.
The PMFME Bazaar was a central feature of the Conclave, providing a national showcase for the creativity, diversity and commercial potential of India’s micro food processing enterprises. It reflected the ministry’s commitment to creating stronger market linkages and enabling grassroots entrepreneurs to transform local products into competitive brands with wider domestic and global reach.
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Naresh Khanna – 10 February 2025
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