Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday inaugurated a Farmers Training and Common Facility Centre (FT-CFC) for chilli processing at Konchigere village in Ballari district.
The new unit has been established using funds from the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) and with support from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
“We have already launched three units, a fruit processing unit in Koppal, a pulses unit in Raichur, and now this chilli unit in Ballari. Tomorrow, a tamarind unit will be inaugurated in Vijayanagara, and within a fortnight, I will return to open three more: a soya unit in Bidar, a jowar unit in Kalaburagi, and a peanut unit in Yadgir,” Ms. Sitharaman said.
She noted that the Union and State governments, along with district administrations and partner institutions, are working together to ensure farmers receive better prices for their produce.
Highlighting Ballari’s prominence in chilli cultivation, the Minister said the new facility will help farmers increase their income by processing their produce locally rather than selling raw chillies elsewhere.
“Instead of travelling to Haveri to sell chillies, farmers can now process them right here into premium chilli powder and flakes for markets across Karnataka, India, and even abroad. This will help them earn much higher returns,” she said, adding that ITC Limited has partnered in the initiative.
“If this unit performs well, we will consider setting up more such centres. Ballari alone needs at least five,” she added.
The Minister also stressed the importance of responsible pesticide use, warning that high residue levels could restrict export opportunities.
“I have asked officials to bring agricultural scientists to Ballari to study pesticide levels in chilli and guide farmers on correct usage to meet global export standards,” she said.
Commending the Siddagangasree Farmers Producer Organisation (FPO) for its voluntary contribution, Ms. Sitharaman said the FPO, which has 1,150 members including 372 women, has set an example for others by supporting the project.
Earlier, she visited an exhibition showcasing locally processed products, organic produce and agro-based innovations, interacting with farmers and rural entrepreneurs.
NABARD Chairman Shaji K.V. praised Ms. Sitharaman’s vision of transforming agriculture into agribusiness, noting that such projects connect farmers, FPOs and institutions, fostering rural entrepreneurship.
He said the initiative marks a new milestone for NABARD in promoting agro-enterprises in collaboration with farmers.
MLC N. Ravikumar, Additional Chief Secretary Uma Mahadevan, and ITC Limited Chairman Sanjiv Puri were present at the event.
Digital library visit
Earlier in the day, Ms. Sitharaman visited a 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 features digital facilities, computer systems and a spacious reading area. It houses more than 5,800 books across various subjects and offers digital access points to enhance learning.
The Minister lauded the initiative for promoting digital literacy and urged students to make full use of the available resources.
Siruguppa MLA B.M. Nagaraj, Additional Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner Uma Mahadevan, Deputy Commissioner Nagendra Prasad K., Zilla Panchayat CEO Mohammad Haris Sumair, and several officials, teachers and students attended the visit.