Delhi, 15 October (H.S.): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, currently on a four-day tour of Karnataka, on Wednesday inaugurated a Farmer Training cum Common Facility Center for agro-processing in Methagal village, Koppal district. She stated that the center will play a crucial role in helping local farmers enhance the value of their produce.

Speaking at the inauguration, Sitharaman highlighted that the initiative aims to establish a sustainable, market-driven ecosystem for fruit-based enterprises, thereby empowering farmers and strengthening rural livelihoods. The center, funded under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) Scheme in collaboration with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), is designed to function as a modern hub for fruit processing and marketing.

The Koppal district is well-known for its cultivation of mango, guava, and papaya. This project will focus on training Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and farmers through Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) to improve value addition for these fruits.

The initiative will promote the production of mango juice, pulp, and dried powder, as well as juice and pulp from papayas and guavas. These efforts are expected to extend the shelf life of the produce, increase its market value, and generate sustainable income opportunities for local entrepreneurs and rural communities.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar