The Union Minister of Food Processing Industries, Chirag Paswan, inaugurated a modern Common Incubation Centre at Tezpur University in Sonitpur district on 13 March 2026. The centre has been set up with full financial support from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme (PMFME). This initiative aims to strengthen food processing innovation, entrepreneurship and skill development in the North-Eastern region of India.
The newly inaugurated Common Incubation Centre is designed as a state-of-the-art facility that will support micro food processing enterprises and promote innovation in the sector. It will provide technical assistance, training and infrastructure for entrepreneurs to develop and test new food products.
The centre will benefit Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), cooperatives, startups and aspiring entrepreneurs. By providing access to modern food processing technologies, the facility will help them improve product quality and market competitiveness.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries including Prithiraj Rabha and senior officials from the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and the Government of Assam.
During the event, the minister interacted with beneficiaries of the PMFME Scheme, entrepreneurs, start-ups, faculty members of Tezpur University and other stakeholders from the food processing ecosystem.
During the welcome address, Prof. Amarendra Kumar Das, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Tezpur University, highlighted the importance of the incubation centre for promoting entrepreneurship. He thanked the Ministry of Food Processing Industries for providing financial support for the project.
The Department of Food Engineering and Technology at the university will offer technical mentorship to entrepreneurs. Guidance will be provided in key areas such as food processing technology, packaging, branding, labelling and compliance with food safety standards.
Shri D. Praveen, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, emphasised the importance of collaboration between government institutions, universities and entrepreneurs to strengthen the food processing sector.
He also informed that the ministry has provided financial assistance of ₹2.35 crore for the establishment of the incubation centre under the PMFME Scheme.
During the event, MLA Prithiraj Rabha encouraged students to explore career opportunities in food processing and skill development programmes. He urged young people to become entrepreneurs and contribute to economic growth and employment generation in the region.
The centre will help students and young innovators turn their ideas into successful businesses.
xIn his inaugural address, Union Minister Chirag Paswan highlighted the government’s vision to strengthen the food processing ecosystem in the North-Eastern region through innovation, entrepreneurship and value addition to agricultural products.
The incubation centre includes seven specialised processing and support lines for fruits, grains, spices, bakery products and other segments. These facilities will help entrepreneurs develop, test and commercialise new products.
The centre is expected to benefit entrepreneurs from several districts including Darrang, Udalguri, Biswanath, Nagaon and Golaghat.
The PMFME Scheme is a key initiative under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan to support micro food processing enterprises across India. According to the minister, loans have been sanctioned to more than 1.87 lakh micro food processing units in the country.
The scheme provides financial assistance, capacity building and market linkages to farmers, Self-Help Groups, cooperatives and small entrepreneurs.
Chirag Paswan stressed the importance of a “Farm to Fork” approach to reduce food wastage and strengthen the agricultural value chain. This approach also supports the vision of Narendra Modi to increase farmers’ income.
He stated that India has the potential to become a “Global Food Basket” by improving production quality, boosting exports and promoting regional food products.
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