The PMFME Common Incubation Centre (CIC) for processing Chilli, Turmeric, and other spices was officially inaugurated
On October 5, 2026, the PMFME Common Incubation Centre (CIC) for processing Chilli, Turmeric, and other spices was officially inaugurated at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Warangal. The occasion also featured the virtual inauguration of another state-of-the-art CIC for Rice and Mango processing at RARS, Jagtial. Both facilities were funded by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India, under the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme to boost rural entrepreneurship, post-harvest processing, and value addition in Telangana.
The event was inaugurated by Shri. Devesh Deval, IAS, Joint Secretary, MoFPI, New Delhi, in the august presence of distinguished university administrators and government leaders:
- Dr. M. Balram, Director of Research, PJTAU, Rajendranagar
- Dr. M. Sreedhar, Associate Director of Research, RARS, Warangal
- Dr. V. Ravindra Naik, Associate Dean, Agricultural College, Warangal
- Smt. Sushma, Director, Telangana State Food Processing Society (TGFPS), Hyderabad
- Shri Rakesh Tiwari, Manager – Business Development, PMFME
The program was well attended by the scientific staff of RARS Warangal, TGFPS officials, PMFME beneficiaries, Ag-Hub incubatees, local farmers, and food processors.
During his visit to the RARS Warangal campus, Shri Devesh Deval was briefed on the budgetary components received under the PMFME scheme and the strategic establishment of the processing infrastructure. Live demonstrations of the operational running lines for chilli and turmeric processing were conducted by Dr. B. V. Rajkumar Scientist (Horticulture) i/c CIC, Warangal showcasing hygienic cleaning, pulverizing, grinding, and packaging techniques.
The Joint Secretary was also briefed on the essential role played by the campus’s Food Technology Laboratory in supporting micro-entrepreneurs through product quality testing, nutritional profiling, shelf-life evaluation, and innovative product development.
Stakeholder Interaction and Exhibition
A key highlight of the event was an interactive exhibition featuring value-added food products developed by PMFME beneficiaries and AgHub incubatees across chilli, turmeric, rice, pulses, and innovative food processing categories.
Shri Devesh Deval interacted directly with farmers, young entrepreneurs, and beneficiaries, gathering feedback on technical training, credit linkages, and market access. He appreciated PJTAU’s efforts in bridging academic research with commercial agriculture and encouraged local entrepreneurs and self-help groups to utilize these shared processing lines to transition from informal units into formal, scalable enterprises.
Significance
Strategically located in major crop-producing belts, the Warangal (Spices) and Jagtial (Rice & Mango) incubation hubs will significantly reduce post-harvest losses, enable primary processing, enhance product safety standards, and boost farm incomes across Telangana.
