Union Minister Chirag Paswan inaugurates Common Incubation Centre at VNMKV, Parbhani

In a significant boost to food processing, rural entrepreneurship, and value addition in the agriculture sector, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Shri Chirag Paswan inaugurated the Common Incubation Centre (Jaggery, Sugarcane Juice & Spices Processing Unit) at Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMKV), Parbhani. The facility has been established under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries’ (MOFPI) flagship Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme.

The inauguration marks a landmark moment for the region, as it is the first time that a Union Minister has personally visited the university to dedicate such a facility to the nation. The Centre has been developed to promote processing and value addition of jaggery, sugarcane-based beverages, turmeric, chilli, and other spices, while creating new opportunities for farmers, students, self-help groups, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Chirag Paswan highlighted the importance of strengthening local food processing ecosystems and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities in rural India. He stated that incubation centres such as this play a crucial role in enabling farmers to process agricultural produce locally, thereby increasing their incomes, reducing post-harvest losses, and enhancing the market value of farm products.

The Union Minister emphasized that the PMFME Scheme aims to support micro food processing enterprises, encourage value addition to local agricultural produce, promote entrepreneurship, and generate employment opportunities, particularly for youth and women. He urged young people to become “job creators rather than job seekers” and actively participate in building India’s food processing economy.

The Common Incubation Centre is equipped to provide access to modern processing technologies, training programs, product development support, and quality testing facilities. It is expected to serve as a catalyst for innovation and enterprise development in the food processing sector across the Marathwada region.

Speaking on the challenges faced by farmers in drought-prone regions such as Marathwada, Shri Paswan reiterated the commitment of both the Central and State Governments towards farmer welfare. He assured that necessary measures and assistance would continue to be extended to support farmers and strengthen agricultural livelihoods.

It was noted during the event that the coordinated efforts of the Central Government, the Government of Maharashtra, and Minister of State for Women and Child Development and Guardian Minister of Parbhani District, Smt. Meghana Bordikar-Sakore, in promoting food processing and value addition initiatives are expected to contribute significantly towards transforming the economic landscape of Marathwada.

On the occasion, Dr. Umesh Kamble, Secretary General, Chamber for Advancement of Small and Medium Businesses (CASMB), met Union Minister Shri Chirag Paswan and assured institutional support through capacity-building initiatives, entrepreneurship development programs, training interventions, and industry collaboration aimed at strengthening the food processing ecosystem in the region.

The inauguration of the Common Incubation Centre represents an important step towards strengthening rural entrepreneurship, promoting agro-processing industries, and creating sustainable economic opportunities for farmers, women, and youth. The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to the growth of the food processing sector and the overall socio-economic development of Marathwada.