Government schemes to reach small businesses faster as MoFPI and CASMB explore closer collaboration

Dr. Umesh Kamble, Secretary General, Chamber for Advancement of Small and Medium Businesses, presents a memento to Shri Avinash Joshi, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, during a meeting in New Delhi.

New Delhi [India], July 13: Recognising the Ministry of Food Processing Industries’ sustained efforts to strengthen India’s food processing ecosystem, a delegation from the Chamber for Advancement of Small and Medium Businesses (CASMB) met Shri Avinash Joshi, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, in New Delhi to discuss closer collaboration for improving the last mile delivery of government schemes to MSMEs.

The CASMB delegation, led by Chairman Dr. Prabodh Halde and Secretary General Dr. Umesh Kamble, congratulated the Ministry for its proactive initiatives in promoting food processing, value addition, infrastructure development and entrepreneurship. The meeting focused on how industry associations can complement the Ministry’s efforts by ensuring that government schemes reach deserving entrepreneurs more effectively.

Over the past several years, MoFPI has introduced a number of initiatives to strengthen the food processing sector through financial assistance, infrastructure development, technology upgradation and support for micro, small and medium enterprises. The discussions centred on enhancing awareness and improving access to these schemes, particularly among first generation entrepreneurs and small food businesses.

Both sides explored the possibility of institutional collaboration through which CASMB could help entrepreneurs identify suitable schemes, prepare applications and support compliance, thereby improving utilisation of existing government programmes.

Dr. Prabodh Halde, Chairman, Chamber for Advancement of Small and Medium Businesses, presents his book, Food Culture in Mahabharat, to Shri Avinash Joshi, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India, during the meeting in New Delhi.

The meeting also covered support for financially and operationally stressed food processing units. Early identification of distressed enterprises, easier access to government assistance and better coordination with financial institutions were identified as important measures to prevent avoidable business closures.

Efficient utilisation of food parks and other processing infrastructure was another important area of discussion. Both sides explored ways to improve information sharing so that entrepreneurs can access available infrastructure more effectively while improving utilisation of public assets.

The discussions further covered promotion of startups, capacity building for existing MSMEs, skill development and encouraging greater participation of women entrepreneurs in the food processing sector.

Dr. Prabodh Halde, Chairman, CASMB, said, “MoFPI has played a transformative role in strengthening India’s food processing sector through progressive policies and well designed schemes. We sincerely appreciate the Ministry’s commitment towards MSMEs. Our objective is to work alongside the Ministry so that these benefits reach every deserving entrepreneur at the grassroots level and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat.”

Dr. Umesh Kamble, Secretary General, CASMB, said, “The Ministry has created a strong policy framework for the sector. CASMB looks forward to supporting its implementation by connecting entrepreneurs with government schemes and helping industries grow sustainably.”

During the meeting, Dr. Halde presented a copy of his book, Food Culture in Mahabharat, to Shri Avinash Joshi, IAS.