Nirmala Sitharaman Launches Farmer Training Centre, Unveils Seven Agri-Processing Units In Kalyana Karnataka

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has announced seven agricultural processing units across the Kalyana Karnataka region, with three already operational and four set to commence production shortly.

During the inauguration of a Farmer Training and Common Facility Centre at Konchigeri village in Ballari district on Thursday (16 October), the minister outlined the government's strategic plan to establish district-specific processing units tailored to local crop profiles through a public-private partnership model.

The initiative aims to support farmers with enhanced market access and infrastructure across all seven districts of the region. Each unit has been designed around the agricultural strengths of its district—from chilli processing in Ballari to millet production in Kalaburagi and soybean facilities in Bidar.

The centres will handle processing, packaging and branding while training farmers in post-harvest management and digital marketing.

Sitharaman emphasised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's commitment to farmer welfare, highlighting that the PM Kisan Dhan Dhanya Yojana—extended to every district in the Union Budget presented in February—provides comprehensive support including irrigation, fertiliser access and market facilities.

The Finance Minister stressed the importance of reducing chemical fertiliser usage and urged farmers to prioritise organic produce under the 'Kalyana Sampada' initiative, with ITC instructed to collaborate with agricultural scientists in Ballari to raise awareness.

The Ballari facility represents a first-of-its-kind tripartite partnership involving government, private sector and farmers themselves.

The Siddaganga Shri Farmer Producer Organisation in Ballari saw farmers voluntarily invest Rs 12 lakh, with the unit boasting 1,150 members including 372 women farmers. Sitharaman inaugurated the chilli processing unit alongside women farmers, expressing confidence that this unique model would serve as a benchmark for other districts.

Please click here to add Swarajya as your preferred and trusted news source on Google

Also Read: Harsh Sanghavi Sworn In As Gujarat’s Deputy CM Amid Major Cabinet Reshuffle