Union Minister for Finance and Corporate AffairsSmt. Nirmala Sitharaman participated in a series of programmes across Karnataka on 4th and 5th June, 2026, covering three districts and focusing on rural development, farmer empowerment, environmental sustainability, public infrastructure, cultural development, women-led entrepreneurship and grassroots engagement.

The programmes included projects supported by the Finance Minister’s MPLADS funds, along with initiatives for plantation, water conservation, horticulture development, post-harvest value addition and community engagement across Yadgir, Raichur, Hosapete, and Kudligi.

These initiatives are expected to contribute to overall environmental improvement, enhance ease of living for citizens, strengthen local livelihoods and support inclusive and sustainable development in Karnataka.

Inauguration of the Farmers’ Training & Common Facility Centre in Yadgir

Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, inaugurated the Farmers’ Training & Common Facility Centre at Badepalli village in Yadgir district, Karnataka. The Centre was funded under the MPLAD Scheme by the Hon’ble Finance Minister, in collaboration with NABARD. It was established as a modern Peanut Processing and Training Centre to support farmers in converting raw groundnuts into high-value products.

Yadgir produced nearly 22,500 MT of groundnut annually. However, a significant portion of the produce was being sold in raw form, offering limited value realization to farmers. The new facility aimed to address this gap by enabling the processing of groundnuts into value-added products such as peanut butter, groundnut oil, salted and roasted peanuts, and chikki.

The Farmers’ Training & Common Facility Centre served as a hub for processing, training, quality control, and marketing. It was expected to create new opportunities for income generation, market expansion, and regional prosperity by strengthening post-harvest infrastructure and improving direct farm-to-market linkages.

The unit was to be managed by the anchor FPC, Badepalli Women Farmers Producer Company Ltd. By integrating processing, training, and marketing under one roof, the Centre was designed to help empower local farmers, reduce post-harvest losses, and support the creation of branded products for domestic and global markets. The initiative marked an important step towards enhancing value addition in the groundnut sector, promoting women-led farmer enterprises, and strengthening rural livelihoods in Yadgir district.

Hon’ble minister also addressed the gathering during the inauguration ceremony.

Review meeting on the progress of the Aspirational Districts (Yadgir and Raichur)

Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, chaired a review meeting on the progress of the Aspirational Districts of Yadgir and Raichur in Karnataka. The meeting reviewed key development indicators across priority sectors including health, education, agriculture, financial inclusion, and livelihoods. It also assessed the implementation and progress of ongoing development initiatives in the two districts.

The meeting served as an important platform to take stock of achievements, identify gaps, and discuss measures to further improve socio-economic outcomes in Yadgir and Raichur districts.

Launch of the Raichur Bharat Vann Yojana

Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, launched the Raichur Bharat Vann Yojana in Raichur, Karnataka, under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative. The initiative, locally called “Thayi Hesarinalli Ondhu Gida”, aimed to strengthen Raichur’s green future through community-led plantation efforts.

Under the Raichur Bharat Vann Yojana, 50,000 saplings were planned to be planted using the Miyawaki method across two sites. Of these, 10,000 saplings were to be planted over 1 acre at the DC Office, while 40,000 saplings were to be planted over 5 acres at the dumpsite. The initiative was supported by SPMCIL, ISRO, and NewSpace India Limited. The plantation featured diverse species including Custard Apple, Jamun, Mango, Jackfruit, Amla, Arjun, Neem, Peepal, Banyan, Bamboo, Moringa, Tulsi, Karanj, and Casuarina. The initiative was expected to support soil improvement, heat reduction, biodiversity protection, and water conservation, while encouraging community participation in environmental protection and sustainable development.

During the event, she also interacted with students, SHG members and villagers.

Foundation Stone laying of multiple projects including a District Cultural Auditorium (Rangamandira) in Hosapete

Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, laid the foundation stones for multiple development projects in Hosapete, Vijayanagara district, Karnataka. The projects were aimed at enhancing public infrastructure, promoting environmental sustainability, and strengthening cultural spaces for the community. With CSR support from the State Bank of India, the Hon’ble Minister laid the foundation stones for the development of a park near the DC Office and the raising of roadside plantations near the District Hospital.

These initiatives are expected to contribute to a greener, healthier and more livable environment for local citizens. On the occasion of World Environment Day, the initiatives also reflected the commitment towards Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative, which encouraged citizens to plant trees and nurture a sustainable future. The Hon’ble Minister also laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Vijayanagara District Cultural Auditorium, also known as Rangamandira, in Hosapete.

To support this landmark cultural project, ₹4 crore had been sanctioned from the Hon’ble Minister’s MPLADS funds. The initiatives marked an important step towards improving civic infrastructure, expanding green cover, and creating dedicated cultural spaces for the people of Vijayanagara district.

Rangamandira

District Hospital

DC Office

Launch of the Organic Horticulture Plantation Project in Kudligi

Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, launched the Kudligi Organic Horticulture Plantation Project in Karnataka on the occasion of World Environment Day, taking forward Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative.

In the first phase, the Kudligi Organic Horticulture Plantation Project will cover 160 acres with the plantation of 50,000 trees. The project will include dryland-suitable horticulture species such as tamarind, amla, moringa, and custard apple. As part of the initiative, another 50,000 trees are proposed to be planted in 2027, taking the project towards the plantation of 1 lakh trees. The Kudligi project promotes tree-based agriculture suited to dryland conditions. With interventions such as drip irrigation, mulching, soil enrichment, fencing, maintenance, and regular monitoring, the project will help conserve water, improve soil health, reduce input costs, and create long-term income opportunities for farmers.

Smt Nirmala Sitharaman also addressed the gathering at the launch of the project. The project marked a significant step towards furthering sustainable development while strengthening Karnataka’s horticultural potential. Around 1,000 students from a local school also participated in the event.

Foundation laying stone rejuvenation of 4 Water Tanks across Kudligi

Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, laid the foundation stone for the rejuvenation of four water tanks across Kudligi, Karnataka. The initiative was aimed at improving water availability for citizens and strengthening local water infrastructure in the region. The project marked an important step towards sustainable water management and the creation of resilient civic infrastructure in Kudligi.

Foundation laying stone rejuvenation of 4 Water Tanks across Kudligi

Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, laid the foundation stone for the rejuvenation of four water tanks across Kudligi, Karnataka. The initiative was aimed at improving water availability for citizens and strengthening local water infrastructure in the region. The project marked an important step towards sustainable water management and the creation of resilient civic infrastructure in Kudligi.

Interaction over lunch with Self-Help Group members in Kudligi

Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, interacted with members of local Self-Help Groups over lunch at the Nagar Panchayat, Chikkajogihalli Village, Kudligi, Karnataka. These Self-Help Groups, supported by various initiatives of the Government of India, have played a vital role in strengthening livelihoods, encouraging entrepreneurship and advancing women-led development at the grassroots level. The interaction reflected the Government’s continued focus on empowering women, promoting financial inclusion and supporting community-led economic growth in rural areas.

Interaction with local residents ofChikkajogihalli Village, Kudligi

Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, Hon’ble Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, interacted with residents of Chikkajogihalli Village in Kudligi, Karnataka. The visit reflected the Government’s continued focus on citizen engagement, inclusive development, and strengthening last-mile outreach.

 

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