Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Opens Training, Processing Centre in Koppal

Koppal: Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday inaugurated the Training and Common Facility Centre for Agricultural Processing at Methagal village in Gangavathi constituency of Koppal district.

Addressing farmers after the inauguration, Sitharaman urged them to make full use of the facility, which has been established in collaboration with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

“The centre aims to empower farmers economically and ensure they receive value-added prices for their crops. It will benefit thousands by providing training on market linkages and value addition,” she said in Kannada.

“Through the PM Dhan Dhanya Yojana, food processing and value addition will promote the economic growth of farmers. Koppal is among the 100 districts selected under the scheme, which aims to provide farmers with quality seeds and access to modern technology,” she explained.

Highlighting her connection to the state, Sitharaman said, “I am myself a Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka. Centres like these, being set up in seven districts of Kalyana Karnataka, will strengthen food processing, packaging and marketing infrastructure. With NABARD’s expertise, we aim to build a better future for our annadatas.”

Pointing out that people from the region often migrate to Bengaluru or Mangaluru in search of work during poor monsoons, the Minister said such training centres would help reduce distress migration. “As our Prime Minister says, this is a good example of ‘Vocal for Local’,” she added.

Sitharaman also noted that under the Prime Minister’s direction, the GST on agricultural equipment has been reduced from 12 per cent to 5 per cent, making it easier for farmers to purchase tractors, tillers and other implements.