Industry Overview Paneer, or Indian cottage cheese, is an essential component of Indian cuisine, known for its versatility and nutritional benefits. Its demand spans households, restaurants, and the food processing industry, driven by its integral role in vegetarian diets. Paneer manufacturing offers a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs to cater to both domestic and export markets, with potential for product diversification into flavored and packaged varieties. Government Subsidy Schemes for Paneer Manufacturing The government supports paneer production under various programs:

• Dairy Processing and Infrastructure Development Fund (DIDF): Provides financial assistance for setting up and upgrading processing facilities.
• Rural Development Schemes: Encourage paneer production units in rural areas with subsidies up to 25%-33%.
• PMFME Scheme: Promotes branding, marketing, and technological improvements for dairy products like paneer.

These schemes help reduce capital expenditure and boost profitability for entrepreneurs. Eligibility Criteria for Paneer Manufacturing Subsidy To qualify for government subsidies, businesses must meet these criteria:

1. Business Registration:
   • Register under a legal entity and obtain an FSSAI license.
2. Detailed Project Report (DPR):
   • Submit a DPR outlining production methods, target markets, and financial viability.
3. Location Preference:
   • Units in rural or semi-urban areas receive additional benefits.
4. Financial Documents:
   • Provide bank statements and tax returns to demonstrate financial capability.
5. Hygiene Standards:
   • Comply with FSSAI regulations on cleanliness, packaging, and labeling.

Meeting these criteria ensures access to financial aid and facilitates smoother operations.

To apply for the Food Processing Scheme, the following mandatory documents are required for new enterprises (Individuals/Firms) as outlined in the manual
1. PAN Card of concerned/all promoters.
2.Aadhaar Copy & Photo of all promoters/guarantors.
3. Address Proof: Any of the Officially Valid Documents (OVD) such as:
o Utility bill (not more than two months old) from any service provider (Electricity, telephone, post-paid mobile phone, piped gas, water bill).
o Property or Municipal tax paid receipt.
o Ration Card (Individual).
o Driving Licence
o Aadhaar Card.
o Voter ID Card.
4. Details of the site where the unit is to be established, including whether it is owned/rented/leased, along with proof (Lease/rent agreement should be for more than the loan repayment period).
5. Photocopy of Bank
6. Estimates and Quotation of all capital expenditure and machinery and equipment to be purchased. Statement/Bank Passbook for the last 6 months.
For existing enterprises with a turnover of less than 1 crore, similar documents are required, including PAN Card, Aadhaar, address proof, and site details.
If you need more specific information or additional documents, please let me know!