Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman shall inaugurate four new Farmers’ Training and Agro-Processing Centres across Karnataka’s Kalyana region, marking a major stride in the government’s effort to strengthen rural livelihoods and boost agri-based entrepreneurship.

The centres—located in Koppal, Raichur, Ballari, and Vijayanagara—have been established through contributions from the Minister’s MPLADS fund in collaboration with NABARD. The initiative aims to rewire the region’s agricultural value chain, turning local produce into branded, value-added products while empowering Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) through technology, skill development, and improved market access.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to building self-reliant rural economies where farmers are not just cultivators, but value creators,” Sitharaman said ahead of the inauguration.

Each centre has been designed with a sharp focus on post-harvest efficiency, processing infrastructure, and entrepreneurship training. In Koppal’s Methagal village, a Fruit Processing Centre will specialise in mango, papaya, and guava, producing juices, pulp, and fruit powder to tap into the region’s abundant fruit output. Meanwhile, Raichur’s Jawalagera village will host a Pulses Processing Unit dedicated to red gram and Bengal gram, producing Tur Dal and Chilla Mix for local consumption and wider distribution.

In Ballari, a Red Chilli Processing Centre will manufacture high-quality chilli powder and flakes for both domestic and export markets, leveraging the district’s strong spice cultivation base. Completing the network, Vijayanagara will feature a Groundnut and Tamarind Processing Facility, producing peanut butter, salted peanuts, and tamarind pulp to add value to traditional crops that have long been central to the region’s farm economy.

Beyond processing, the centres will serve as training hubs, equipping farmers with modern skills in post-harvest management, packaging, branding, and digital marketing. This integrated approach is expected to help farmers capture a greater share of the final market value, reduce wastage, and enhance product competitiveness.

The programme also aligns with India’s broader rural transformation and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” agenda, integrating smallholders into modern agri-value chains. Experts view the initiative as a model for inclusive regional development. By harnessing local crops, cluster-based processing, and market-oriented skilling, the Kalyana Karnataka project is expected to raise farmer incomes, generate employment, and position the region as a benchmark for decentralized agri-industrial growth.