00 Prime Minister's Micro Food Industry Upgradation Scheme becomes the path to self-reliance
Raipur. Determined people not only improve their own lives through their determination and hard work, but also become an inspiration for society. Mr. Pradeep Kumar Ramrao Deshpande, a resident of Vaishali Nagar, Rajnandgaon, has proven with his strong determination that with proper planning and hard work, a strong foundation for self-reliance can be laid.

Pradhan Mantri Micro Food Industries Upgradation Scheme is a centrally sponsored scheme of the Government of India launched to empower, formalise and promote small entrepreneurs (micro enterprises) in the food processing sector by providing credit-based subsidy (up to 35 per cent, maximum Rs 10 lakh), branding and marketing support, common infrastructure and training to new and existing enterprises to enable them to compete and increase their income under Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local.

Under the Prime Minister's Micro Food Industry Upgradation Scheme, Mr. Pradeep Kumar Ramrao Deshpande took a significant step towards self-employment by starting his own industry. This scheme not only provided him with financial assistance but also provided the necessary guidance for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Economic Strength from Minor Forest Produce-Based Industries
: Considering the vast potential of minor forest produce available in the state, he established a processing industry based on chironji, myrobalan, and baheera. A total loan of ₹550,000 was approved for this industry for machinery and shed construction, of which a grant of ₹213,500 was received under the Prime Minister's Micro Food Industry Upgradation Scheme.
Women's Self-Help Groups Gain Permanent Employment
Along with establishing the industry, Mr. Deshpande also engaged women from the Sanskardhani Mahila Krishak Abhiruchi Self-Help Group in Kaurinbhatha. This provided the women with a regular income and led them to self-reliance, which also brought positive changes to their families' economic conditions.

Using funds received from the "Increased Production and Value Addition Potential through Modern Machinery"
scheme, he purchased a Chironji decolorizer machine from ITI Mumbai. This machine removes the husk from the Chironji and extracts the kernels, while charcoal is produced from the husks. Additionally, oil is extracted from the Chironji, Harra, and Bahera kernels, and the Harra-Bahera decolorizer machine also performs the task of peeling. A
solar-powered processing unit:
Considering the difficulties of electricity supply in rural and forest areas, Mr. Deshpande has powered his processing unit with a solar plant. The use of solar energy has reduced his electricity bills and ensured continuity in production, significantly reducing costs.

Business expanded to four states, annual income of 4 lakh rupees.
Due to the consistent market demand for Chironji, Harra, and Bahera products, their business has now expanded to Chhattisgarh, as well as Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Odisha. This business generates an annual income of approximately 4 lakh rupees, improving their standard of living.
Integrating Forest Conservation, Livelihood, and Awareness:
This initiative has increased awareness about collection of minor forest produce, plant conservation, and sustainable livelihoods in forest areas. By providing employment to women in self-help groups, they are becoming economically empowered and new employment opportunities are being created locally.
Expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister and Chief Minister,
Mr. Pradeep Kumar Ramrao Deshpande said that the Prime Minister's Micro Food Industry Upgradation Scheme is proving to be extremely effective in promoting self-employment. He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Dev Sai for this scheme.