Nirmala Sitharaman Expands Agro-Processing in Kalyana Karnataka

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated today that a number of farmers’ training and common facility centres for agro-processing have been established in the Kalyana Karnataka region with the support of Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) funds.

The initiative will cover the seven districts, with the goal of empowering each farmer and reinforcing the agro-processing sector. During her visit, Sitharaman will open the Kalyana Karnataka centers situated in Vijayanagara, Ballari, Koppal, and Raichur, where production has started.

"Travelling through Kalyana Karnataka from tomorrow, shall participate in visiting the various Farmers' Training and Common facility centers for Agro Processing which have commenced production. Using funds from my MPLADS, have set up one unit in each of the following seven districts," she posted on X.

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The centres include a peanut and tamarind processing unit in Vijayanagara, chilli products in Ballari, fruit pulp and amchur powder in Koppal, and dal milling in Raichur. Other centers located in Yadgir, Kalaburagi, and Bidar, produce groundnut oil, products based on millet, and soy-based foods with production rates up to 100 to 500 kg per hour.

Sitharaman noted these centres will aid farmers, producer organisations, and their families with income generation support and support growth in local agri-industrial capacity.

In a related matter, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha met Sitharaman in New Delhi on Monday to urge the Centre to raise the limit for Externally Aided Projects (EAPs) which will fast track projects relating to infrastructure development for urbanisation, tourism, and municipalities.