Honourable Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman Inaugurates Third Agro-Processing Centre in Kalyana Karnataka Region on World Food Day

Continuing her journey through Kalyana Karnataka to usher in a new era of transformation, Hon’ble Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated the third Farmers’ Training and Common Facility Centre for Agro Processing (FT-CFC) at Konchigeri village, Ballari, Karnataka. The project has been funded through the Minister’s MPLAD scheme, in convergence and collaboration with the Government of India and NABARD, underscoring the government’s strong commitment to inclusive, technology-driven, and sustainable rural development.

The Union Minister flagged off the first consignment of Chilli Powder and Chilli Flakes from the newly inaugurated Spices Processing Center in Konchigeri, Ballari. The launch coincides with World Food Day 2025, themed “Hand in Hand for Better Foods and a Better Future”, highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation in creating sustainable, nutritious, and resilient food systems. She interacted with Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and toured the stalls showcasing locally processed products. This landmark event was graced by Shri M. Nagaraju, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Government of India, Shri B. Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan, Hon’ble Minister of Housing, Wakf & Minority Welfare and District In-charge Minister, Government of Karnataka, Smt. Uma Mahadevan, ACS and DC, Government of Karnataka, Shri Shaji K. V., Chairman, NABARD, Shri Sanjiv Puri, Chairman & Managing Director, ITC Ltd, Dr A.K. Sood, Deputy Managing Director, NABARD, Shri K.V. Ravi Kumar, MLA, Shri Y.M. Satish, MLC, and Shri B.M. Nagaraju, MLA, along with senior officials from the state government, NABARD, and the farmers community.

Sharing her vision for strengthening the agricultural value chain, Hon’ble Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman said, “It gives me immense satisfaction to see the establishment of the Ballari Chilli Processing Centre under the MPLAD scheme, which reflects the spirit of true collaboration between the Central and State Governments, NABARD, ITC, and the Siddagangasree FPO. What makes this project special is that local farmers, including women, have taken ownership by investing in the initiative — a shining example of self-reliance and partnership. When farmers move from cultivation to processing and value addition, their income, confidence, and opportunities grow manifold. I urge all FPOs to emulate this model of participation and quality production. Together, we can make rural India a hub of innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth, where every farmer becomes an entrepreneur.”

Shri Shaji K. V., Chairman, NABARD, said, “It is an honour to welcome Hon’ble Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, whose vision has been instrumental in transforming rural India through agri-entrepreneurship. The Ballari Chilli Processing Centre marks the third such unit inaugurated in Kalyana Karnataka, reflecting her deep commitment to farmers’ welfare. This centre embodies her vision—empowering farmers, especially women, to move up the value chain as processors and entrepreneurs.”

Ballari, known for its rich mineral resources and thriving agricultural base, is among Karnataka’s leading chilli-producing districts. The newly launched Farmer’s Training and Common Facility Centre (FT-CFC) is designed to drive value addition, reduce post-harvest losses, enhance farmer incomes, and create sustainable market linkages for smallholder farmers. Envisioned as an integrated facility, it brings together training, processing, and marketing under one roof—enabling farmers to transform their produce into high-value products and secure better returns.

Managed by Siddagangasree Farmers Producer Company Ltd., the centre focuses on strengthening chili value chains while promoting skill development and market access, particularly for women farmers. Equipped to process 500 metric tons of raw red chili annually, the facility can produce 380 MT of chilli powder and 95 MT of chili flakes, with installed capacities of 200 kg/hr and 50 kg/hr, respectively.

Quality testing will be conducted at the NABL-accredited lab of UAS Raichur, ensuring high product standards and a shelf life of up to 18 months. The project also adopts a hybrid marketing model, connecting FPO produce with both institutional buyers and online platforms. Partnerships have been established with Supreme Traders (Belagavi), Mehta Foods (Erode), Amrutam Masala (Chennai), Vora Spice Exports, and Mari Exports (Bengaluru), alongside digital platforms such as ONDC, JioMart, and BigBasket.