Tezpur University in Assam witnessed the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Common Incubation Centre under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME Scheme) on March 13, 2026.
The facility at Tezpur University was inaugurated by Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan, marking a significant step toward strengthening the food processing ecosystem in the North-East region.
The incubation centre at Tezpur University has been established with 100% financial assistance from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India, under the PMFME Scheme.
The facility is envisioned as a modern innovation and entrepreneurship hub aimed at supporting micro food processing enterprises, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, startups, and aspiring entrepreneurs.
The programme began with the formal inauguration of the PMFME Incubation Centre at Tezpur University in the presence of several dignitaries, including Prithiraj Rabha, MLA of Tezpur constituency; D. Praveen, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries; Prof. Amarendra Kumar Das, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Tezpur University; Megha Nidhi Dahal, Managing Director of AIDC; Sazzad Alam, Additional Secretary, Government of Assam; and Ananda Kumar Das, District Commissioner.
Following the inauguration, the Union Minister interacted with PMFME Scheme beneficiaries, entrepreneurs, start-ups, faculty members of Tezpur University, and stakeholders from the food processing ecosystem.
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Technical Support and Mentorship for Entrepreneurs
Delivering the welcome address, Prof. Amarendra Kumar Das, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Tezpur University, highlighted the significance of the initiative and expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Food Processing Industries for extending support.
He noted that the Department of Food Engineering and Technology at Tezpur University will play a key role in providing technical guidance and mentorship to entrepreneurs.
This support will include training and assistance in areas such as food processing technologies, packaging, branding, labelling, and compliance with food safety standards.
₹2.35 Crore Financial Support from MoFPI
During his remarks, D. Praveen, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, emphasised the importance of collaboration between government, academia, and entrepreneurs in developing a vibrant food processing sector.
He informed that the Ministry has provided financial assistance of ₹2.35 crore for establishing the incubation centre at Tezpur University, reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening the food processing ecosystem.
Encouraging Youth Participation in Food Processing
Prithiraj Rabha, MLA of Tezpur constituency, encouraged students of Tezpur University to pursue food processing and skill development courses to tap emerging opportunities in the sector.
He urged young people to become entrepreneurs and contribute to regional economic growth and employment generation.
Strengthening Food Processing in the North-East
In his inaugural address, Union Minister Chirag Paswan highlighted the Government of India’s vision to strengthen the food processing ecosystem in the North-Eastern Region through innovation, entrepreneurship, and value addition to agricultural produce.
Encouraging youth to become job creators rather than job seekers, he pointed to the expanding opportunities within the food processing sector.
He appreciated Tezpur University for establishing seven specialised processing and support lines for fruits, grains, spices, bakery products, and other segments, which will help entrepreneurs develop and commercialise new food products.
The incubation facility at Tezpur University is expected to serve entrepreneurs from Sonitpur and neighbouring districts including Darrang, Udalguri, Biswanath, Nagaon, and Golaghat, thereby creating a regional hub for food processing enterprise development.
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Tezpur University: PMFME Scheme Driving Entrepreneurship
Highlighting the impact of the PMFME Scheme under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, the Minister noted that loans have been sanctioned to over 1.87 lakh micro food processing enterprises across the country. The scheme has benefited FPOs, SHGs, cooperatives, and farmers through financial assistance, capacity building, and market linkages.
He emphasised the importance of adopting a “Farm to Fork” approach to reduce food wastage, improve agricultural value chains, and support the Prime Minister’s vision of doubling farmers’ income.
The Minister added that India has the potential to emerge as a “Global Food Basket” through enhanced production, quality standards, exports, and promotion of regional food products.
Vision for Global Presence of Indian Food Products
Describing Assam as the gateway to the North-East, the Minister reiterated the Government’s focus on strengthening food processing infrastructure across the region.
Expressing his vision, Chirag Paswan stated: “I want to see ‘Made in India’ food products on each and every dining table across the world.”
