Once confined to household responsibilities, Premalata Patidar of Village Bamora in Neemuch district has today carved out a distinct identity as a successful entrepreneur. The Prime Minister’s Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme gave wings to her dreams and showed her a new path toward self-reliance.
Premalata shared that she had always aspired to start her own enterprise, but limited resources and a lack of proper guidance made it challenging to take the first step. During this period, she learned about the PMFME scheme through the Horticulture Department, which provided her with the necessary support and direction to begin her entrepreneurial journey. Under the scheme, she established a food oil processing unit named ‘Balaji Udyog’ with an investment of Rs 23.61 lakh.
To set up the unit, she obtained a loan of Rs 20 lakh from the State Bank of India, Jiran branch, in Neemuch district. She also received a government subsidy of Rs 8.26 lakh, which further strengthened her confidence.
Premalata registered her coconut oil under the brand name Gopal Krishna and introduced her product to the market. Driven by quality production and sustained hard work, her enterprise has witnessed steady growth. Today, her monthly turnover ranges between Rs 8 lakh and Rs 10 lakh, and she earns a net income of Rs 2 lakh to Rs 3 lakh per month. Her annual profit has now exceeded Rs 30 lakh.
Her success is not just a personal achievement. By providing employment to seven local people in her unit, she has also boosted economic activity in her village. She says, “The government scheme gave me courage, but success came through hard work and belief.”
The PMFME scheme is being effectively implemented in Neemuch district. So far, 210 beneficiaries have been supported under the scheme, and 125 new units have been established during the current financial year. With this achievement, Neemuch district has emerged as one of the leading districts in the State and division.
Premalata Patidar’s journey demonstrates that with self-confidence, proper guidance, and government support, even a homemaker can become a successful entrepreneur. Her story is not merely an individual success but a strong example of rural self-reliance and women’s empowerment.
