Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday inaugurated the Farmers Training Center and Common Facility (FT-CFC) for chilli processing at Konchigere village in Ballari district.
The chilli processing unit was set up with funds from the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) and with financial assistance from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
“We have already opened three units, a fruit processing unit in Koppal, a pulses processing unit in Raichur and now this chilli processing unit in Ballari. Tomorrow we will open a tamarind processing unit in Vijayanagara. I will come back in a fortnight and open three more, a soyabean processing unit in Bidar, a jowar unit in Kalaburagi and Yadgir on foot,” she said Mrs. Sitharaman.
She added that the Union and State Governments along with district administrations and partner institutions are working together to help farmers secure better prices for their produce.
Emphasizing the importance of setting up a chilli processing unit in Ballari, a district known for chilli cultivation, the minister said that Ballari farmers can significantly increase their income by processing their produce in the area instead of selling raw chillies elsewhere.
“Instead of traveling all the way to Haveri to sell your chillies, you can now process them right in Ballari into premium chilli powder and flakes and sell them across Karnataka, the country and even abroad. This will help farmers get much better returns,” she said, adding that ITC Limited is a partner in the effort.
“If this unit works well, we will explore setting up more such facilities. Ballari alone needs at least five,” she added.
The minister emphasized the importance of responsible use of pesticides and warned that excessive residues could hinder Indian production in international markets.
“I have directed officials to bring agricultural scientists to Ballari to assess pesticide levels in chillies and educate farmers on their optimum use. Proper practices will help ensure the produce meets global export standards,” she said.
Appreciating the Siddagangasree Farmers Producers Organization (FPO) in Ballari for their voluntary contribution to the project, she noted that the FPO with 1,150 members, including 372 women, has set an example for others by supporting the establishment of this unit.
Earlier, the Minister visited an exhibition showcasing locally processed agricultural products, organic products and agro-innovations and interacted with farmers and rural entrepreneurs.
NABARD Chairman Shaji KV in his opening address appreciated Ms. Sitharaman’s vision of transforming agriculture into agribusiness.
“All sectors are growing and agriculture must also keep pace. These projects bring farmers, FPOs and institutions together and create business opportunities in rural areas,” he said.
He added that the initiative marks a new chapter for NABARD in supporting agribusinesses in partnership with farmers.
MLC N. Ravikumar, Additional Chief Secretary Uma Mahadevan and ITC Limited Chairman Sanjiv Puri were present on the occasion.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman interacted with students and teachers at the Digital Public Library at Bagewadi village in Siruguppa taluk on Thursday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
Digital library
Earlier in the day, Ms. Sitharaman visited the digital public library at Bagewadi village in Siruguppa taluk and interacted with students and teachers.
Built at a cost of ₹ 24 lakh under Zilla Panchayat grants, the modern library has been equipped with digital equipment and a well-designed reading area.
The library houses more than 5,800 books on a variety of subjects and includes computer systems and digital access points that enhance the learning experience of patrons.
The minister praised the library’s efforts to promote digital literacy and urged students to use resources effectively.
Siruguppa MLA BM Nagaraj, Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner Uma Mahadevan, Deputy Commissioner Nagendra Prasad K., Zilla Panchayat CEO Mohammad Haris Sumair, Minister’s Private Secretary Aniruddh Shravan and several district officials, teachers and students were present during the visit.
Published – 16 Oct 2025 20:14 IST
