- SIDBI-backed Farmer Producer Organisation empowers GI-tagged Samba chilli growers with finance, value addition and global market access
- First export consignment flagged off to Sri Lanka, multiple Indian States and e-commerce platforms, opening new avenues for farmers’ prosperity
- ‘One District One Product’ initiative transforms Virudhunagar into a high-value agri-export hub with premium, low-pesticide chillies
- Finance Minister also inaugurates ₹4-crore indoor sports stadium, urging youth to excel in sports and nation-building
NE AGRICULTURE BUREAU
CHENNAI, JULY 18
In a significant boost to India’s agri-export ecosystem and the government’s vision of transforming farmers into entrepreneurs, Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Saturday inaugurated a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) dedicated to GI-tagged Samba chillies at Thiruchuli in Virudhunagar district, paving the way for higher incomes through value addition, exports and market-driven agriculture.
The newly launched Global Chilli Agro Pvt. Ltd., established with financial assistance from the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), is expected to become a catalyst for empowering chilli farmers by integrating finance, processing, branding and international marketing under one platform.
Addressing farmers and stakeholders, Finance Minister said the initiative demonstrates how institutional support can transform agriculture into a sustainable and profitable enterprise.
“This Farmer Producer Organisation producing GI-tagged Samba chillies and value-added products has been established with the financial assistance of SIDBI. What is truly commendable is that SIDBI has gone beyond extending loans and has provided farmers with comprehensive support, including capacity building, value addition and market linkages. This model deserves to be replicated across the country.”
Highlighting the export potential of the region’s premium-quality produce, Sitharaman said the naturally grown Samba chillies enjoy a distinct advantage in global markets.
“The chillies cultivated in this region require very low pesticide usage, making them highly suitable for export. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary ‘One District One Product’ initiative, the Government of India is extending every possible support for chilli cultivation, value addition, branding and marketing. I congratulate the SIDBI team for creating export opportunities and strengthening farmers’ livelihoods.”
First Export Consignment Flagged Off
Marking a major milestone for local farmers, Finance Minister flagged off the first batch of export vehicles carrying GI-tagged Samba chillies and value-added chilli products produced by the Farmer Producer Organisation.
The consignment will reach Sri Lanka, markets in Andhra Pradesh and Haryana, besides being supplied through leading e-commerce platforms, signalling the beginning of a wider domestic and international market presence for the farmers of Virudhunagar.
The initiative is expected to enhance farmers’ incomes by promoting processing, branding and direct market access while reducing dependence on traditional agricultural marketing channels.
₹4-Crore Indoor Sports Stadium Inaugurated
Earlier in the day, Sitharaman inaugurated a modern indoor sports stadium at the Government Arts and Science College, Thiruchuli, constructed at a cost of ₹4 crore with financial support under the State Bank of India’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.
The state-of-the-art facility houses courts for basketball, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, besides dedicated spaces for chess and carrom, providing students with world-class sporting infrastructure.
Encouraging students to make optimum use of the facility, Finance Minister reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to promoting sports alongside education.
“The Central Government accords high priority to the development of sports infrastructure across the country. I urge every student to make full use of this excellent facility and strive for excellence in sports. Thiruchuli, the birthplace of the great sage Ramana Maharishi, should also emerge as a centre of sporting excellence and produce champions who will bring laurels to the nation.”
The events were attended by District Collector Dr. N.O. Sukhaputra, MLA Thangam Thennarasu, entrepreneurs, farmers, students and senior officials.
