From Exams to Entrepreneurship: How a PM Scheme Sparked a Spice Brand

A young man from Hazaribagh has turned a government scheme into a thriving local business. Saurabh Kumar used the PM-FME initiative to launch his own spice brand, Apna Zaayka. His goal was to provide pure, locally-produced spices to counter adulterated products in the market. This venture has not only boosted his income but also created jobs for about a dozen people in his community.

Key Points: PM-FME Scheme Helps Jharkhand Youth Launch Apna Zaayka Spice Brand

  • Saurabh Kumar transitioned from preparing for government exams to becoming an entrepreneur
  • He utilized the PM-FME scheme for financial and technical support to set up his plant
  • His 'Apna Zaayka' brand addresses the market issue of adulterated spices
  • The initiative created employment for nearly a dozen people in Hazaribagh
2 min read

PM-FME scheme helps youth launch spice brand, generate local jobs

Saurabh Kumar of Hazaribagh used the PM-FME scheme to launch his 'Apna Zaayka' spice brand, creating local jobs and providing pure, hygienic products.

"He wanted to provide pure, hygienic, and locally produced spices to the people of his region. - Article on Saurabh Kumar"

Hazaribagh, Dec 6

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and ‘Vocal for Local’ is changing the lives of millions across the country.

By taking advantage of government schemes, young Indians are not only securing a better future for themselves but also creating employment opportunities for others.

Saurabh Kumar from Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, is one such inspiring example.

Saurabh once prepared for government examinations and even cleared several of them. However, he carried a deeper aspiration, to build something of his own and provide others with the opportunity for a better life.

With this goal in mind, Saurabh decided to utilise the PM-FME (Prime Minister Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises) scheme, which offers financial and technical support to small food processing units.

Guided by the Industry Department, he applied for the scheme and was approved. Soon after, he set up a spice processing plant at Indrapuri Chowk in Hazaribagh and launched his own spice brand, “Apna Zaayka.”

Speaking to IANS, Saurabh explains that his decision to enter the spice business had a clear purpose. He had often read and observed the prevalence of adulterated spices in the market.

He wanted to provide pure, hygienic, and locally produced spices to the people of his region. Today, “Apna Zaayka” has earned a strong reputation in Hazaribagh.

The establishment of the plant not only increased Saurabh’s own income but also created employment for nearly a dozen people.

The PM-FME scheme’s One District One Product (ODOP) component is giving local entrepreneurs a new direction, and young people like Saurabh are strengthening this initiative on the ground.

Residents praise Saurabh’s efforts, saying that by benefiting from the Prime Minister’s scheme, he has improved not only his own future but also brought stability to several households that now depend on the jobs he provides.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi often speaks of self-reliance, youth entrepreneurship, and promoting local products. Saurabh Kumar’s journey is a practical example of that vision taking shape at the grassroots level.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who recently moved to India, I find this focus on local entrepreneurship fascinating. Providing pure spices is a genuine need. Hope the scheme reaches more districts.
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Vikram M
Great initiative, but the real test is sustainability. Will the brand survive after the initial support? The government must ensure continuous market linkage and skill upgrades for such units.
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Priya S
"Apna Zaayka" – what a lovely name! 🎉 This is exactly what we need. Local products, local jobs, and tackling the problem of adulteration. My best wishes to Saurabh. Hope his brand goes national!
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Rohit P
My cousin in Bihar also got help from PM-FME for his pickle unit. The application process was smoother than expected. These schemes are a game-changer for small towns.
M
Michael C
Impressive story. Creating a dozen jobs might seem small in reports, but it means everything to those families in Hazaribagh. This is how economies grow from the ground up.

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