The newly inaugurated Women-Led Agro-Processing Centre in Yadgir, Karnataka, marks a significant step in empowering women farmers and enhancing the local agricultural economy. The facility, inaugurated by Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman, is designed to process 480 tonnes of groundnuts annually, transforming them into value-added products such as peanut butter and groundnut oil.
Empowering Women Farmers
The centre is managed by the Baddepalli Women Farmers Producer Company Limited, comprising 727 women members. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen agricultural value chains in the Kalyana Karnataka region. Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the importance of such initiatives in improving incomes and generating employment opportunities in the district.
"I am delighted to inaugurate this agro-processing centre, which is entirely operated by women," said Nirmala Sitharaman. "Initiatives such as this will help improve incomes, generate employment opportunities, and enhance the overall quality of life in the district."
Economic Impact
The centre aims to reduce post-harvest losses and improve market access for local farmers. By converting raw groundnuts into products like roasted peanuts and de-oiled cake, the facility is expected to increase returns for producers. Shaji K.V., Chairman of NABARD, highlighted the centre as a scalable model for farmer-led value addition and women's entrepreneurship.
| Product | Annual Production Capacity |
|---|---|
| Groundnuts | 480 tonnes |
| Peanut Butter | Value-added product |
| Groundnut Oil | Value-added product |
| Roasted Peanuts | Value-added product |
Future Prospects
The centre is part of a series of farmer-centric initiatives supported by NABARD and the Finance Minister’s MPLADS funds. It aims to serve as a model for women-led rural enterprises, enabling women farmers to participate across the agricultural value chain. The facility is expected to enhance the brand recognition of "Yadgir Groundnut" in the market.
The production at the centre is set to commence immediately, with a focus on expanding market access through e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms.
Conclusion
The inauguration of the Women-Led Agro-Processing Centre in Yadgir is a promising development for the region's agricultural sector. By empowering women farmers and enhancing local value chains, the initiative is poised to make a lasting impact on the district's economy.
