On August 9, Advisor Ladakh Dr. Pawan Kotwal chaired a meeting of the State Level Approval Committee (SLAC) at the Civil Secretariat, Leh, to review and approve proposals for Branding & Marketing support under the Pradhan Mantri Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme. The meeting started with a detailed PowerPoint presentation by the Department of Industries and Commerce, explaining the PMFME scheme, which was launched in June 2020 by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI). This centrally sponsored initiative aims to offer subsidies and financial assistance to both new and existing Micro Food Processing units, benefiting individual enterprises, Self Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and cooperatives.
A project report was presented by the Deputy Registrar of Cooperatives, Leh, on behalf of Bhami Dunya Consumer Cooperative, Leh, to the General Manager of the District Industries Centre, Leh. The proposal seeks support under the PMFME scheme to develop a common brand, “Wonder Berry,” for Seabuckthorn-based products. Seabuckthorn has been identified as the One District One Product (ODOP) for Leh district by MoFPI. Proposed products include Seabuckthorn Juice, Squash, Dry Berry, Oil, Herbal Tea, Puree, and more.
Dr. Kotwal highlighted the significance of Seabuckthorn production and processing in Ladakh, noting its potential as a unique, nutritious fruit thriving in the region’s cold desert climate. He stressed that the initiative aims to empower local communities by formalizing and enhancing Micro Food Processing Enterprises, thus realizing Seabuckthorn’s commercial potential. “Seabuckthorn’s health benefits are well-known, but its economic potential is largely untapped. The PMFME scheme aims to turn this potential into a viable economic reality,” Dr. Kotwal remarked.
He also emphasized the need for sustainable practices to increase Seabuckthorn production in Ladakh, which would offer long-term ecological and economic benefits for the region. By focusing on sustainability, the initiative aims to preserve Ladakh’s unique biodiversity and ensure that future generations benefit from its natural resources.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including Sanjeev Kirwar, Principal Secretary of the Industries and Commerce Department; Amir Suhail, Under Secretary of Agriculture, Horticulture, and Floriculture; Padma Angmo, Commissioner Secretary of the Technical Education and Skill Development Department; Sh. Mohammad Nazir Sheikh, Director of Industries and Commerce, Ladakh; Cooperative sector representatives—Skarma Tashi, Gonbo Angchuk, Mohammad Abuzar; Tsering Morup (AGM) from UTLBC; and Beronica Borua from the Industries Department, SPMU, PMFME.
