Common Incubation Centre Under PMFME Scheme in Assam

• 17 Mar 2026

Why in News? 

Union Minister Chirag Paswan inaugurated a modern Common Incubation Centre at Tezpur University in Sonitpur district of Assam in March 2026 under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme, aimed at boosting innovation and entrepreneurship in the food processing sector. 

Key Points: 

• PMFME Scheme: The PMFME Scheme encourages the formalisation of micro food processing enterprises by providing credit‑linked subsidies, capacity building, and market access, targeting to benefit lakhs of small food processors across the country. 
• Incubation Centre: A state‑of‑the‑art Common Incubation Centre was inaugurated at Tezpur University with 100% financial assistance from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, making it a hub for food processing innovation and enterprise development. 
• Objective: The facility is designed to support micro food processing units, Self‑Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, startups, and prospective food entrepreneurs by providing technical guidance, packaging, branding, and compliance support. 
  • The centre was established at Tezpur University, Assam in collaboration with academic experts, university management, and industry stakeholders to facilitate skill development and market linkage for emerging food enterprises. 
• Financial Assistance: The Ministry provided around ₹2.35 crore for setting up the centre, which includes specialised processing lines for fruits, grains, spices, bakery products and allied segments.  
• Vision: He highlighted the Government’s vision to strengthen the food processing ecosystem, encourage youth entrepreneurship, and support value addition to agricultural produce throughout the North‑Eastern region, aiming to reduce food waste and expand market opportunities.  

Read More:  Incubation Centre, PMFME, Self‑Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Startups