How Neelu's spices business and sapling nursery transformed her village under the PMFMPE scheme?

Bhagalpur, May 13 (NationPress) Neelu Kumari, a resident of Jittiya village in the city, has crafted an inspiring narrative of independence through the Prime Minister's Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFMPE) scheme. Her spice shop and sapling nursery have instigated a significant shift in the mindset, acceptance, and support of her fellow villagers towards this new initiative.

Although Neelu holds an MA degree, she faced challenges in finding employment and chose to embark on her own entrepreneurial journey, aiming for a self-sufficient nation. With the assistance of programs like Jeevika, MNREGA, and PMFME, she has successfully established a spice grinding business in her village and launched a sapling nursery.

Her venture has inspired other women in the area. Neelu, who had an inter-caste marriage, shattered societal norms and embraced the journey of self-reliance.

Utilizing the PMFME scheme, she initiated her spice grinding business, which has not only improved her financial situation but also provided benefits to local farmers who grow spices.

In a conversation with IANS, Neelu recounted, "We faced challenges during the pandemic. Our situation was dire, but this scheme has empowered us. We are not only earning now but also creating job opportunities for other women in the village."

In addition to her spice enterprise, Neelu established a plant nursery with support from MNREGA under the Mission Gardening initiative.

She expressed, "Previously, there were no nurseries in our village or surrounding areas. After registering with MNREGA and Jeevika, we received assistance. Now, people travel from distant places to buy plants from us. Our business has flourished thanks to Jeevika, which prioritizes our plants."

Another female beneficiary, who became part of the Jeevika group in 2014, shared that she received a flour mill through the PMFME scheme in 2019.

“This scheme has been incredibly beneficial during the pandemic. We no longer need to travel far; we have work right here in our village. Our circumstances have improved, and we are proud to be becoming self-reliant alongside Neelu Didi," she stated.

She expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, "Such initiatives should be more prevalent in villages. I hope special programs are introduced for widows and underprivileged women to help them achieve self-sufficiency. The benefits of these schemes need to reach the women in the village's lower strata."

The PMFME scheme, operated by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, offers financial, technical, and business assistance to micro food processing enterprises. This initiative has provided entrepreneurs like Neelu with the chance to develop and expand their businesses.

Neelu's journey illustrates that with the right opportunities and perseverance, success is attainable even in challenging situations.

Neelu Kumari's initiative serves as a beacon of success not just for her village but for the entire Bhagalpur district. Her story exemplifies the contributions of individuals toward the vision of a self-sufficient India.