Will FM Sitharaman Provide Farmers the Support Needed to Enhance Agricultural Income?
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Synopsis
On October 16, FM Nirmala Sitharaman launched a new agro-processing unit and the Farmers Training and Common Facility Centre in Raichur, Karnataka, promising unwavering support for farmers to enhance agricultural income. This initiative aims to strengthen the pulse market, empower farmers, and promote sustainable rural development.
Key Takeaways
- FM Sitharaman inaugurated the Farmers Training and Common Facility Centre.
- The new agro-processing unit will process significant amounts of pulses.
- Farmers will gain better pricing and reduced reliance on middlemen.
- Key initiatives include soil health cards and financial assistance.
- The focus is on sustainable rural development.
Raichur (Karnataka), Oct 16 (NationPress) Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday assured farmers of complete support to enhance agricultural income during the inauguration of the Farmers Training and Common Facility Centre along with a new agro-processing unit in the region.
While addressing the audience, she emphasized key initiatives such as soil health cards, fertilizers, financial aid, and the increased Minimum Support Price (MSP) for foodgrains and pulses.
“The Farmers' Training and Common Facility Centre in Raichur will significantly benefit farmers. It will enable them to secure better prices for their agricultural products, establish connections with markets, empower women, enhance the quality and shelf-life of produce, and provide training and capacity building for farmers.
Raichur district is a prominent area for pulse production in Karnataka, with around 80,000 metric tonnes of tur and 34,000 metric tonnes of chickpeas cultivated each year.
“This substantial production capacity will aid in fortifying the pulse value chain. The newly established processing unit can process 133 metric tonnes of tur, 100 metric tonnes of chickpeas, and 76 metric tonnes of mixed pulses annually. As a result, farmers will reap better prices and reduce their reliance on middlemen,” noted Sitharaman.
In the long term, this initiative seeks to empower farmers, bolster farmer producer organizations, and foster comprehensive rural development by creating a sustainable and market-oriented pulse industry ecosystem, she added.
The scheme enhances the value and long-term viability of the pulse market by promoting the cultivation of tur, chickpeas, and mixed pulses, while also creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for self-help groups and rural entrepreneurs.
“This initiative aims to strengthen the agricultural ecosystem of Raichur district, advancing the value chain for farmers, increasing their income, and paving the way for the future of rural enterprises through innovation and collaboration,” the finance minister emphasized.
Ultimately, this project aspires to establish a sustainable and market-driven environment for pulse-based enterprises, empowering farmers, reinforcing FPOs, and promoting inclusive rural development in Raichur district.
Earlier, Sitharaman engaged with interns from the Prime Minister Internship Scheme (PMIS) in Hampi, Karnataka. The meeting gathered over 60 interns from across the state alongside representatives from leading partner companies, including Infosys, IBM, and TCS.
During her interaction with the interns, she listened to their experiences and aspirations related to PMIS, discussing their motivations for joining the program and their learning journeys. She also provided guidance and encouragement for their future professional paths.
Point of View
The initiatives announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reflect a commitment to empowering farmers and enhancing rural livelihoods. The establishment of training centers and processing units is a strategic approach to improve market access and increase income for farmers, which is essential for sustainable development.
NationPress
16/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Farmers Training and Common Facility Centre?
The centre aims to provide training and resources to farmers, helping them secure better prices for their products and connect with markets.
How will the new agro-processing unit benefit farmers?
The unit will process large quantities of pulses, enabling farmers to receive better prices and reducing their dependence on middlemen.
What initiatives were highlighted by FM Sitharaman?
Key initiatives include soil health cards, fertilizers, financial assistance, and increased MSP for foodgrains and pulses.
What is the long-term vision of these agricultural initiatives?
The long-term vision is to create a sustainable and market-oriented ecosystem for pulse production, empowering farmers and promoting rural development.
How many interns were engaged in the Prime Minister Internship Scheme?
Over 60 interns participated in the Prime Minister Internship Scheme session with FM Sitharaman.
