Finance Minister inaugurates Farmers’ Training and Common Facility Centre in Koppal

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday inaugurated the Farmers’ Training and Common Facility Centre (FT-CFC) at Methagal village in Koppal district, aimed at empowering farmers through value addition, processing, and marketing support.

The centre has been established 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).

Before the inauguration, Ms. Sitharaman visited an exhibition where local farmers and rural entrepreneurs showcased processed farm products, organic produce, and other agro-based innovations. She interacted with the participants and appreciated their entrepreneurial spirit.

Speaking at a public meeting later, Ms. Sitharaman said she had earmarked a part of her MPLADS funds for setting up similar centres in each of the seven districts of Kalyana Karnataka, with an objective to strengthen the rural economy.

“These centres will train farmers in processing, packaging and marketing their produce. With NABARD’s support, they will help farmers make value addition and get fair prices. Connecting them to major markets such as Bengaluru will ensure better income and stability,” she said.

Noted that while Koppal was largely an irrigated district, Ms. Sitharaman said that there were still areas without irrigation facilities and the new centre would benefit farmers in such regions by providing opportunities for agro-processing and allied income-generating activities.

“During drought years, people migrate to cities like Bengaluru and Mangaluru in search of work. With proper planning and facilities for storage and processing, farmers can earn well here itself. This initiative aims to make that possible,” she said.

Highlighting the centre’s potential, she said it can process up to 840 tonnes of mangoes and 600 tonnes of papaya annually, producing a variety of value-added products. The unit has also received FSSAI certification, ensuring quality and safety standards, she added.

Calling the initiative part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign, Ms. Sitharaman appealed to farmers to make full use of the facility.

“This is your centre. Use it well and you will find ready markets and better prices for your produce,” she said, urging NABARD to replicate the model across the region.

Reaffirming the centre’s commitment to farmers’ welfare, Ms. Sitharaman said 43 lakh farmers in Karnataka were receiving ₹6,000 annually under the PM-Kisan Yojana. She also pointed out that the recent GST rationalisation had reduced taxes on agricultural machinery and inputs such as solar pumps, bio-pesticides, micronutrients, and bio-fertilisers from 12% to 5%, making them more affordable for farmers.

She thanked the Karnataka State government for its active support and cooperation through its Koppal district administration in establishing the centre.

The event was attended by MLC Hemalatha Nayak, Finance Department Secretary Vishal R., NABARD Deputy Director A.K. Sood, Deputy Commissioner Suresh B. Itnal, Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayat Varnit Negi, Superintendent of Police Ram L. Arasiddi and others.