Farmers in Ballari district are set to benefit from a Rs 5 crore government-funded red chilli market and cold storage facilities. The project, financed by government and Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) resources, moves away from the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model due to feasibility concerns.

APMC Minister Patil emphasized the importance of the initiative in addressing long-standing challenges faced by chilli farmers, including fair pricing and market access. He stressed the need for government or cooperative cold storage facilities to prevent exploitation by private operators, citing the success of Vijayapura’s cooperative model as an example.

MLA N.R. Bharat Reddy expressed strong support for the project and other pending demands of the Ballari Chamber of Commerce. Chamber president Yashwantharaj Nagireddy called for swift implementation, highlighting that land for the chilli market has already been identified. He also requested additional land for an administrative building within the APMC premises.

The chilli market and cold storage facilities are expected to enhance the agricultural economy of Ballari, offering farmers a reliable platform to sell produce and access fair storage solutions. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to empowering farmers and promoting sustainable growth in the region.