State Mission on Food Processing (SMFP)
The State Mission on Food Processing (SMFP) is implemented by the Department of Industries, Government of Himachal Pradesh. It was originally derived from the centrally sponsored National Mission on Food Processing (NMFP) launched during the 12th Five-Year Plan (2012–17), and later continued as a 100% state-sponsored scheme from 2015–16 onwards.
The main purpose of this mission is to promote food processing industries, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve value addition in agricultural produce. For you as an MSME or startup in the food sector, this scheme provides financial assistance for setting up new units, upgrading technology, creating cold chain infrastructure, and building rural processing centres. It also supports skill development and ensures better food safety standards, helping your business grow sustainably.
Key Features
- Multi-Scheme Structure - The mission includes several schemes such as technology upgradation, cold chain infrastructure, promotional activities, primary processing centres, and modernization of meat shops. This allows you to choose support based on your business stage.
- Focus on Value Addition - The scheme emphasises converting raw agricultural produce into processed goods, helping you increase product value, reduce wastage, and improve profitability.
- Inclusive Eligibility - The scheme is open to individuals, MSMEs, SHGs, cooperatives, NGOs, and private companies, ensuring wide participation across the food processing ecosystem.
- Infrastructure Development - Strong focus is placed on cold chains, storage, and logistics, enabling better supply chain efficiency and reducing post-harvest losses.
- Skill & Quality Development - The mission supports training, certification, and adoption of food safety standards, helping your business meet national and global quality benchmarks.
Financial Assistance
Eligibility Criteria
- Open to individual entrepreneurs, MSMEs, SHGs, cooperatives, NGOs, and private companies
- Must be engaged in food processing or related supply chain activities
- Project must be appraised by a bank or financial institution (mandatory in most cases)
- Term loan (minimum 10%–25%) required depending on scheme component
- Project must not start commercial production before application submission
- Applicant should have adequate financial capacity
- No duplicate funding for the same project under other schemes
Documents Required
- Application form (as per scheme component)
- Detailed Project Report (DPR)
- Bank loan sanction and appraisal report
- Registration certificate / incorporation documents
- Land documents and building plan
- Quotations for machinery
- CA and Chartered Engineer certificates
- Affidavit and undertaking
Application Process
Option 1: Apply with Bullit, Recommended
Start instantly with our guided application support, where our team verifies eligibility, prepares documentation, and coordinates with the Industries Department on your behalf. Using our business loans and compliance calendar, you can track progress while focusing on project execution, we manage the application end-to-end.
Option 2: Apply Online / Offline (Government Process)
Online / Direct Submission
- Prepare DPR and financial appraisal
- Submit application to State Mission Directorate (SMFP)
- Upload required documents and forms
- Application reviewed by SLEC
- Approval and sanction of grant
- Project monitoring and release of funds in installments
Offline Process
- Submit application at Department of Industries / DIC
- Attach DPR and required documents
- Verification and appraisal by authorities
- Approval by SLEC
- Grant released in stages after project progress
Frequently asked questions
What is the main aim of SMFP?
The scheme aims to promote food processing industries, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve value addition in agricultural produce through infrastructure, financial assistance, and skill development initiatives.
Who implements SMFP in Himachal Pradesh?
The Department of Industries, Government of Himachal Pradesh implements the scheme through a State Mission Directorate and State Level Empowered Committee.
Is this a central or state scheme?
Initially linked to a central scheme (NMFP), SMFP is now a fully state-sponsored scheme implemented by Himachal Pradesh Government.
What type of businesses can apply?
Entrepreneurs, MSMEs, SHGs, cooperatives, NGOs, and private companies engaged in food processing or related sectors are eligible.
Is bank loan mandatory under the scheme?
Yes, most components require a minimum term loan from a bank or financial institution, along with project appraisal.
What is the subsidy for food processing units?
The scheme provides 33.33% subsidy up to ₹75 lakh for plant and machinery and technical civil works.