News & Announcement
Press Release from (DIC) SORENG
Soreng, 10/07/2025:
In a significant move to boost the local food processing ecosystem, the MSME Division, in collaboration with District Industries Centre (DIC), Soreng, Commerce & Industries Department organized an Awareness Program cum Registration Drive under the PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme at the conference hall of Rurban Complex, Soreng today.
The event aimed to benefit Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), Cooperatives and aspiring entrepreneurs of Soreng District by enhancing their awareness about the PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme.
The program witnessed enthusiastic participation from various stakeholders across the district and was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Zilla Panchayat Members, Panchayat Presidents and Vice Presidents, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Soreng, Heads of Line Departments (HODs), officials from Sikkim Rural Livelihoods Mission (SRLM) such as Block Program Managers (BPMs) and Assistant Program Managers (APMs) of Soreng District.
Delivering the keynote address, the General Manager (GM) of DIC, Soreng Ms. Anula Gurung, emphasized the pivotal role of micro food processing units in strengthening the rural economy. She highlighted that the PMFME scheme, launched under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, offers a transformative opportunity for grassroots entrepreneurs to formalize their businesses, enhance productivity, and access wider markets. “Through this initiative, we aim to empower local producers by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and financial support necessary to scale their ventures sustainably,” she stated. She further urged FPOs, SHGs, Cooperatives and independent entrepreneurs to come forward, register under the scheme, and actively participate in building a robust and self-reliant food processing ecosystem in Soreng district. The GM, also spoke about the importance of UDYAM registration, which enables micro and small enterprises to access government schemes, credit facilities, and market linkages. She further stressed the need for FSSAI registration for food processing units to ensure compliance with safety standards, build consumer trust, and facilitate entry into formal markets. She urged all participants to take advantage of such programs and come forward to register under the PMFME scheme, adding that with the right support and awareness, rural enterprises have the potential to transform the local economy. Concluding her remarks, she underscored the commitment of the MSME Division and the District Industries Centre (DIC) in handholding and supporting FPOs, SHGs, Cooperatives and individual entrepreneurs across Soreng district—right from awareness to implementation.
The Chief Guest on the occasion, Hon’ble Zilla Panchayat, Soreng Singling GPU Shri. Singaraj Subba expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the MSME Division and District Industries Centre (DIC), Soreng, in organizing the awareness-cum-registration drive under the PMFME scheme. He lauded the initiative for bringing critical information and support services directly to the grassroots level, ensuring that local entrepreneurs, FPOs, SHGs, and Cooperatives are not left behind in the process of formalization and development. In his address, the Chief Guest emphasized the need for more such outreach programs in remote districts like Soreng, where access to structured government support is often limited. He noted that the convergence of multiple stakeholders—including Panchayat leaders, departmental heads, and livelihood mission officials—demonstrates a unified commitment to promoting rural entrepreneurship. He encouraged all present beneficiaries to take full advantage of the schemes being offered and appreciated the proactive role of DIC and the MSME Division in fostering a self-reliant rural economy. “Such initiatives are key to unlocking the potential of rural industries and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities at the local level,” he added.
The addresses were followed by detailed presentations by State Lead Project Manager, MSME Mr. Chanzay Bhutia and PMFME Co-ordinator, Soreng District, Mr. Navin Sharma on the components, and benefits of the PMFME scheme. Special emphasis was laid on the financial assistance available for micro food processors, capacity building initiatives, and the support mechanism for FPOs and SHGs engaged in food-based enterprises during the presentation. A brief technical hands-on session on live PMFME registration was also demonstrated by the PMFME team for the benefit of the participants.
Interactive sessions were also held to clarify queries from participants, and on-the-spot registrations were facilitated by MSME and DIC officials to ensure ease of access to the scheme.
The event also featured insightful addresses from departmental heads whose sectors are closely aligned with the goals of the PMFME scheme.
Deputy Director, Agriculture Mr. Manish Pradhan spoke about the immense potential for agri-based food processing in Soreng, including products like pickles, jams, millet-based items and organic produce. He stressed the importance of post-harvest management, value addition, and market linkage, particularly for smallholder farmers and SHGs. The Agriculture Department, he stated, is ready to assist entrepreneurs with necessary crop data, training, and convergence opportunities under state and central schemes.
Similarly, Asst. Director, Fisheries Mr. Yowa Raj Sharma in his address, highlighted the scope of value addition in the fisheries sector, particularly for SHGs and small-scale fish farmers. He emphasized the need for cold chain development, hygienic packaging and locally branded fish-based products that could tap into niche markets. He assured that the Fisheries Department would extend technical support and coordinate with DIC to help interested groups avail the benefits of the PMFME scheme.
This awareness and registration drive marks a vital step towards empowering rural entrepreneurs and strengthening the micro food processing sector in Soreng district. The MSME Division, along with DIC Soreng, looks forward to conducting more such programs in the future to ensure inclusive growth and entrepreneurship development at the grassroots level.
In a significant move to boost the local food processing ecosystem, the MSME Division, in collaboration with District Industries Centre (DIC), Soreng, Commerce & Industries Department organized an Awareness Program cum Registration Drive under the PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme at the conference hall of Rurban Complex, Soreng today.
The event aimed to benefit Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs), Cooperatives and aspiring entrepreneurs of Soreng District by enhancing their awareness about the PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme.
The program witnessed enthusiastic participation from various stakeholders across the district and was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Zilla Panchayat Members, Panchayat Presidents and Vice Presidents, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Soreng, Heads of Line Departments (HODs), officials from Sikkim Rural Livelihoods Mission (SRLM) such as Block Program Managers (BPMs) and Assistant Program Managers (APMs) of Soreng District.
Delivering the keynote address, the General Manager (GM) of DIC, Soreng Ms. Anula Gurung, emphasized the pivotal role of micro food processing units in strengthening the rural economy. She highlighted that the PMFME scheme, launched under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, offers a transformative opportunity for grassroots entrepreneurs to formalize their businesses, enhance productivity, and access wider markets. “Through this initiative, we aim to empower local producers by equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and financial support necessary to scale their ventures sustainably,” she stated. She further urged FPOs, SHGs, Cooperatives and independent entrepreneurs to come forward, register under the scheme, and actively participate in building a robust and self-reliant food processing ecosystem in Soreng district. The GM, also spoke about the importance of UDYAM registration, which enables micro and small enterprises to access government schemes, credit facilities, and market linkages. She further stressed the need for FSSAI registration for food processing units to ensure compliance with safety standards, build consumer trust, and facilitate entry into formal markets. She urged all participants to take advantage of such programs and come forward to register under the PMFME scheme, adding that with the right support and awareness, rural enterprises have the potential to transform the local economy. Concluding her remarks, she underscored the commitment of the MSME Division and the District Industries Centre (DIC) in handholding and supporting FPOs, SHGs, Cooperatives and individual entrepreneurs across Soreng district—right from awareness to implementation.
The Chief Guest on the occasion, Hon’ble Zilla Panchayat, Soreng Singling GPU Shri. Singaraj Subba expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the MSME Division and District Industries Centre (DIC), Soreng, in organizing the awareness-cum-registration drive under the PMFME scheme. He lauded the initiative for bringing critical information and support services directly to the grassroots level, ensuring that local entrepreneurs, FPOs, SHGs, and Cooperatives are not left behind in the process of formalization and development. In his address, the Chief Guest emphasized the need for more such outreach programs in remote districts like Soreng, where access to structured government support is often limited. He noted that the convergence of multiple stakeholders—including Panchayat leaders, departmental heads, and livelihood mission officials—demonstrates a unified commitment to promoting rural entrepreneurship. He encouraged all present beneficiaries to take full advantage of the schemes being offered and appreciated the proactive role of DIC and the MSME Division in fostering a self-reliant rural economy. “Such initiatives are key to unlocking the potential of rural industries and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities at the local level,” he added.
The addresses were followed by detailed presentations by State Lead Project Manager, MSME Mr. Chanzay Bhutia and PMFME Co-ordinator, Soreng District, Mr. Navin Sharma on the components, and benefits of the PMFME scheme. Special emphasis was laid on the financial assistance available for micro food processors, capacity building initiatives, and the support mechanism for FPOs and SHGs engaged in food-based enterprises during the presentation. A brief technical hands-on session on live PMFME registration was also demonstrated by the PMFME team for the benefit of the participants.
Interactive sessions were also held to clarify queries from participants, and on-the-spot registrations were facilitated by MSME and DIC officials to ensure ease of access to the scheme.
The event also featured insightful addresses from departmental heads whose sectors are closely aligned with the goals of the PMFME scheme.
Deputy Director, Agriculture Mr. Manish Pradhan spoke about the immense potential for agri-based food processing in Soreng, including products like pickles, jams, millet-based items and organic produce. He stressed the importance of post-harvest management, value addition, and market linkage, particularly for smallholder farmers and SHGs. The Agriculture Department, he stated, is ready to assist entrepreneurs with necessary crop data, training, and convergence opportunities under state and central schemes.
Similarly, Asst. Director, Fisheries Mr. Yowa Raj Sharma in his address, highlighted the scope of value addition in the fisheries sector, particularly for SHGs and small-scale fish farmers. He emphasized the need for cold chain development, hygienic packaging and locally branded fish-based products that could tap into niche markets. He assured that the Fisheries Department would extend technical support and coordinate with DIC to help interested groups avail the benefits of the PMFME scheme.
This awareness and registration drive marks a vital step towards empowering rural entrepreneurs and strengthening the micro food processing sector in Soreng district. The MSME Division, along with DIC Soreng, looks forward to conducting more such programs in the future to ensure inclusive growth and entrepreneurship development at the grassroots level.
