Sea buckthorn, apricot and local micro food enterprises highlighted as key drivers for Ladakh’s food processing growth

Union Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan inaugurated the PMFME Mahotsav exhibition in Leh on Wednesday, highlighting Ladakh’s growing potential in the food processing sector and calling for stronger efforts to connect the region’s unique products with national and global markets.

The exhibition, organised under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme, showcased products developed by local beneficiaries and entrepreneurs from the Union Territory.

Held at the DC Office Complex in Leh, the event was jointly organised by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and the Department of Industries and Commerce, UT Administration of Ladakh.

Key Highlights

• Chirag Paswan inaugurates PMFME Mahotsav in Leh
• Exhibition showcased products from PMFME scheme beneficiaries
• Minister highlights Ladakh’s untapped food processing potential
• Sea buckthorn and apricot identified as high-potential global products
• Focus on value addition, market linkages and modernization
• Irradiation infrastructure expansion discussed
• Buyer-seller meets and industry networking encouraged

Focus on Local Entrepreneurship and Value Addition

During the exhibition, Shri Chirag Paswan visited multiple stalls and interacted with PMFME beneficiaries, listening to their entrepreneurial journeys and encouraging them to scale up operations.

The exhibition aimed to:

• Promote local food processing enterprises
• Increase awareness about the PMFME Scheme
• Strengthen market linkages
• Encourage value addition in local produce

The minister said India’s agricultural sector had traditionally focused more on production rather than value creation, but added that the food processing sector has witnessed stronger policy attention and expansion in recent years.

Ladakh’s Sea Buckthorn and Apricot Get Spotlight

Highlighting Ladakh’s unique agri-products, Shri Chirag Paswan said sea buckthorn and apricot possess strong global market potential if backed by proper investment, branding and processing infrastructure.

The minister stressed the need for coordinated efforts to transform these products into export-ready value-added offerings.

Ladakh’s high-altitude produce has increasingly gained attention for:

• Nutritional value
• Functional food applications
• Wellness and nutraceutical products
• Premium hospitality and tourism markets

Push for Modern Food Processing Infrastructure

Chairing a review meeting after the exhibition, Shri Chirag Paswan discussed modernization measures for the food processing sector in Ladakh.

He highlighted the ongoing development of irradiation units across the country through Centre-state collaboration, aimed at:

• Improving shelf life
• Reducing post-harvest losses
• Supporting exports
• Strengthening food safety and logistics

The minister also called for more frequent buyer-seller meets to help micro enterprises connect with larger markets and institutional buyers.

World Food India Platform Highlighted

Shri Chirag Paswan encouraged food processing stakeholders from Ladakh to participate in World Food India and similar industry platforms to gain exposure, partnerships and market access opportunities.