NewKerala.com

Bihar's Millet Malpua Craze: A Healthy Holi Hit Born from PMFME Scheme

A woman entrepreneur in Bhagalpur, Bihar, has created a Holi sensation with her innovative 'Millet Malpua', a healthy twist on the traditional sweet. Priyanka, also known as Priya Soni, started her venture with a loan under the central government's PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme. Her millet-based malpua, made from ingredients like jowar and ragi, is so popular that people are flocking to place orders, and it is even suitable for those with diabetes. She now produces 60 different millet products and credits women-centric schemes for empowering female entrepreneurs.

Key Points: Millet Malpua for Holi: Bhagalpur's Healthy Sweet Success

  • Healthy festive sweet
  • Made from jowar, bajra, ragi
  • Diabetic-friendly option
  • Born from PMFME scheme support
  • Part of Vocal for Local vision
2 min read

Bihar: Bhagalpur entrepreneur launches 'Millet Malpua' for Holi under PMFME Initiative​

A Bhagalpur entrepreneur's 'Millet Malpua' is a Holi sensation, made possible by a PMFME scheme loan. Discover this healthy, diabetic-friendly festive sweet.

"Today women feel liberated and empowered because of women-centric schemes launched under his governance. - Priyanka (Priya Soni)"

Bhagalpur, March 2

Traditional Indian sweets have remained the staple in every household during the festive season, be it Holi, Diwali, or any other festivity; however, the flavour of the season this year is 'Millet Malpua'.​

In Bihar's Bhagalpur district, the unique recipe has become a runaway hit with residents, as hundreds from the vicinity are making a beeline to place orders for Holi.​

Interestingly, the one-of-a-kind dessert didn't come out of the blue. A woman entrepreneur, Priyanka, who started a millet business sometime ago under the PMFME (PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme), is the force behind this lip-smacking dessert.​

As food and sweet supply chains remain adulterated during the festive season, she conceived the idea of developing healthy, nutritious desserts and came up with 'Millet Malpua'. It has become popular not just in the locality but also drawing attention in the neighbourhood, with people flocking to her door to place their orders.​

Sharing her entrepreneurial journey, Priyanka told IANS that she started her enterprise after taking a loan of Rs 1.17 lakh under the PMFME scheme.​

Today, she has earned the epithet of 'millet lady' of Bhagalpur.​

Speaking to IANS, Priyanka, also known as Priya Soni, expressed her gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the venture and said that todaywomen feel liberated and empowered because of women-centric schemes launched under his governance.​

Today, she is producing 60 different millet products and developing millet products suitable for inclusion in meals from morning to night.​

A couple of her products are Millet khichdi, millet kheer, millet halwa, and millet idlis, and have found considerable demand in the markets.​

Notably, Malpua is made with jowar, bajra, ragi, and multi-millets. Even people suffering from diabetes can eat it.​

The PMFME scheme, launched on 29 June 2020, is a central government scheme focusing on the growth and formalisation of micro food units across the country.​

The scheme is part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan and supports the Vocal for Local vision in the food processing sector. It provides financial, technical, and business assistance to entrepreneurs for setting up new units or upgrading existing ones.​

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who tries to eat healthy, I love this innovation. The PMFME scheme seems to be doing real work on the ground. Supporting local women entrepreneurs while promoting nutritious food is a win-win. Hope her products reach other cities soon!
R
Rohit P
Vocal for Local in action! 🎉 Stories like these make me proud. From a loan of 1.17 lakh to 60 products – that's the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Holi mithai just got healthier. Will definitely look for millet malpua this year.
P
Priya S
While I appreciate the entrepreneurial effort, I hope the focus remains on taste and quality. Sometimes "healthy" versions of sweets miss the mark on the authentic flavour we crave during festivals. Fingers crossed this one is both tasty and good for you!
K
Karthik V
Bhagalpur's 'millet lady' is an inspiration. My mother has diabetes and always feels left out during festive sweets. If this product is truly safe for her, it would mean the world. Government schemes enabling such specific, needed businesses is commendable.
M
Michael C
Interesting read. The fusion of traditional recipes with modern nutritional science is a trend I've seen globally, but it's great to see it rooted in Indian agriculture and policy. The scale from one product to 60 is impressive. Wishing her success.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50