Image Source: The Sunday News
In a transformative move for rural livelihoods, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and the Society for Elimination of Rural Poverty (SERP) have signed a landmark agreement to establish 2,500 agro-processing units across Telangana by 2028. The collaboration, titled “Revitalising rural and urban livelihoods through establishment of inclusive agro-processing business models and entrepreneurship development in Telangana,” aims to empower smallholder and women farmers, drive entrepreneurship, and boost the state’s food processing ecosystem.
Key Highlights:
The project will deliver technical training, business support, and market access to farmers, especially marginalized groups, helping them add value to their produce and break free from exploitative middlemen.
By tackling post-harvest losses and infrastructure gaps, the initiative is set to enhance incomes, create jobs, and promote inclusive economic growth in both rural and urban areas.
ICRISAT’s Director General Dr. Himanshu Pathak emphasized the mission’s urgency, calling it a critical step for fair market access and sustainable livelihoods for Telangana’s farmers.
SERP CEO Divya Devarajan highlighted the project’s focus on dignity and opportunity for rural communities, with special support for women’s self-help groups and micro-entrepreneurs.
Telangana, already a rising powerhouse in India’s food processing sector, will see these new units add to its impressive tally of over 3,800 processing units and 80,000 jobs created since 2014.
With world-class expertise and local commitment, this partnership is poised to set a national benchmark for inclusive, innovation-driven agri-business growth.
Source: Telangana Today, ICRISAT, AgronFoodProcessing
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