Lok Sabha MP of Belagavi Jagadish Shettar held a discussion with Union Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan in New Delhi, requesting for the establishment of the newly-planned National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) in Belagavi.
In the discussion ,Shettar highlighted the progress the agricultural sector, with various crops such as ragi, wheat, paddy, pulses, cashew, sugarcane, and tobacco being cultivated in the state including black pepper, cardamom, ginger, and garlic, are being exported to other countries.
Shettar conveyed his greetings to Sitharaman on the occasion of the New Year and submitted a request for the approval of necessary funds for the proposed institute.
In response, the union minister has agreed to the proposal of setting up national-level food technology institute in Belagavi, BJP MP Jagadish Shettar said on Friday. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is preparing a detailed proposal to submit Nirmala Sitharaman [Union Finance Minister] for the sanction of necessary funds.
“I spoke to the Finance Minister in detail about the potential benefits of such a centre in Belagavi, which lies at the intersection of three states. It will help the farmers, traders, consumers and also the neighboring states,” Mr.Shettar said.
The Union Food Processing Industries Ministry will submit a proposal to the Union Finance Minister for the approval of the required funds. Shettar urged Sitharaman to approve the proposal, emphasizing its benefits for farmers, consumers, and the local communities as well.
After reviewing the demand consequently, Sitharaman has responded positively and assured Shettar that she would study the proposal and consider approval for the establishment of National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management [NIFTEM] in Belagavi.
As per sources, Jagadish Shettar expressed the project’s progress and its positive impact on the region through press release, assuring the confirmation of the development.
India consists of two NIFTEMs which train the undergraduates and post graduates scholars and are considered engaged in research, extension, training and education.
The union government has proposed that a third such institution will be set up in the county and has appealed to the centre to choose Belagavi for the new NIFTEM. The development of NIFTEM is expected to boost the region’s food processing industry and provide opportunities for entrepreneurship and skill development.