Agartala, August 25: Tripura has achieved a significant national distinction after being declared the Overall Best-Performing State in the Small State category under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme.
The award was conferred during the PMFME Conclave 2026, held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi on August 24 and 25. Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan presented the award to Tripura in recognition of the state’s efforts to promote food-processing enterprises and strengthen livelihood opportunities at the grassroots.
The recognition highlights Tripura’s initiatives to support small food-processing units, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and local entrepreneurs through the PMFME framework. Beneficiaries have received assistance aimed at formalising micro-enterprises, improving skills and production capacity, accessing financial support and expanding their market reach.
The award is being viewed as a boost to the state’s efforts to promote entrepreneurship-driven livelihood generation and strengthen the local food-processing ecosystem.
The Tripura Urban Livelihood Mission (TULM) described the national recognition as a “major milestone” for the state. In a social media post, the mission said the conclave brought together stakeholders from food processing, entrepreneurship, livelihoods and urban development to exchange ideas and showcase successful initiatives.
According to TULM, the achievement reflects the collective efforts of government agencies, grassroots entrepreneurs and community organisations working to build a stronger and more sustainable food-processing sector in Tripura.
The PMFME scheme has provided a platform for micro food-processing enterprises to improve their operations and become more competitive. Support under the initiative is also aimed at helping entrepreneurs formalise their businesses and connect with wider markets.
Officials said the national honour would encourage further expansion of micro-enterprises and create additional livelihood opportunities for communities across the state. They also highlighted the potential of entrepreneurship and innovation to contribute to inclusive economic growth.
The recognition comes at a time when Tripura is placing greater emphasis on livelihood generation through small enterprises, community-based initiatives and local entrepreneurship.
With the award, Tripura’s performance under the PMFME scheme has received national attention, highlighting the state’s efforts to empower small entrepreneurs and strengthen grassroots economic activity. The achievement is also expected to encourage greater participation in food processing and support sustainable livelihood opportunities across the state.
