- Coming from an agricultural family, Prof. Jitendra Kumar Dhankar has carved a new niche in the field of food processing.
Despite coming from a farming family, 35-year-old Prof. Jitendra Kumar Dhankar, a resident of Ataria village in Khairagarh-Chhuikhadan-Gandai district, has carved a niche for himself in the food processing sector by embracing self-employment. A B.Sc. agriculture graduate, Jitendra Kumar modernized his business by taking advantage of the Prime Minister’s Micro Food Processing Enterprises Upgradation Scheme (PMFME) and expanded his limited business.
Jitendra Kumar launched “Dhankar Enterprises (MFG Unit)” on March 16, 2022. His enterprise manufactures and packages various food products, including litchi juice, mango juice, orange juice, bhel, masala puffed rice, chana mix, and namkeen.
Before the PMFME,
Jitendra Kumar’s business was limited to seasonal produce. His monthly income was around 10,000 rupees, and the scope of business expansion was limited. During this time, he learned about the Prime Minister’s Micro Food Processing Enterprise Upgradation Scheme through the District Trade and Industry Center (DTIC). Following departmental guidance, he applied for the scheme and received the necessary training. A
35% subsidy provided business expansion opportunities
. Jitendra Kumar received a loan of ₹6.30 lakh from Bank of Baroda, Chhuikhadan, under the PMFME scheme. He received a 35% subsidy of ₹2.45 lakh. With this financial assistance, he installed modern machinery in his enterprise and worked to improve production, packaging, and branding.
Modern machinery, including a VFFS packing machine, an air compressor, a mixer, and a drying machine, was installed. This increased production capacity and improved the packaging of food products.
From seasonal business to regular production,
Dhankar Enterprises’ business underwent a significant transformation after receiving the benefits of the PMFME scheme. Previously, the business relied primarily on seasonal produce, but now it regularly produces and packages namkeen, masala puffed rice, and other products.
Modern machinery and improved packaging have helped expand the products’ reach not only in the local market but also in new markets. Currently, the enterprise generates sales of approximately 2,000 to 2,500 rupees per day. His monthly income has increased to approximately 30,000 rupees. Jitendra Kumar’s success isn’t limited to his own business; his venture has also created employment opportunities locally. Currently, five
local
people are directly employed. His goal is to expand production capacity in the future and provide employment to more people.
Dhankar Enterprises has gained recognition in the local market.
With the support of the PMFME scheme, Jitendra Kumar has successfully modernized his enterprise and established the “Dhankar Enterprises” brand in the local market. Modern machinery, improved packaging, and consistent production have given his business a new direction. Jitendra Kumar aims to establish his brand at the district and state levels and further expand his business in the food processing sector.
Applicant’s message
: “The PMFME scheme has given my small business a new direction and recognition. With the help of modern machinery, bank loans, and a 35 percent subsidy, I was able to expand my business. Today, my business is growing steadily and I am also providing employment to local people. My message is that every youth should take advantage of government schemes and move forward towards becoming self-reliant.”
