Suresh Kumar Jain, Honorary Secretary of the Mysuru Industries Association (MIA), on January 19, said value addition of agricultural produce through collaboration between farmers and industries, coupled with effective marketing, can lead to the overall development of both the agriculture and industrial sectors.
He was speaking after inaugurating an export management training programme organised by the Visvesvaraya Trade Promotion Centre (VTPC) and an event held under the Karnataka government’s Raitha Samruddhi scheme.
Mr. Jain said India is an agriculture-based country, and closer linkages between farmers and small-scale industries for value addition would benefit both sectors and contribute to the nation’s economic growth. “Farmers are the backbone of the country, while industries act as its supporting pillars,” he remarked.
He added that if agricultural produce marketing centres actively participate not only in sales but also in value addition, the country’s economic condition would improve further.
Deputy Director of Agriculture K. Nagaraju, in his address, said the Agriculture Department, under the Krushi Bhagya scheme, is encouraging integrated farming practices. Farmers are being motivated to adopt allied activities such as dairy farming, sericulture and fisheries along with agriculture to ensure comprehensive and sustainable income.
VTPC Joint Director C.S. Babu Nagesh said the Visvesvaraya Trade Promotion Centre is a state government institution that promotes exports, but awareness about its activities among farmers was limited. He urged farmers to make use of the incentives extended by the government through VTPC.
Mr. Nagesh said that Karnataka’s exports increased by 25% during the year 2024–25, with the State ranking fourth in the country in merchandise exports and first in services exports.
Assistant Director of the District Industries Centre, Somashekar, advised farmers to use digital platforms and export under their own brand names to significantly enhance their profits.
Published – January 19, 2026 06:39 pm IST
