Belagavi Lok Sabha MP Jagadish Shettar has initiated discussions with the Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan, advocating for establishing the National Institute of Food Technology Entrepreneurship and Management (NIFTEM) in Belagavi.
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is now preparing a detailed proposal to seek funds from Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. MP Shettar has formally urged Sitharaman to approve the proposal, highlighting its benefits to farmers, traders, and the local community. Sitharaman has assured her support, stating that the proposal will be considered for approval.
Speaking to the media, Shettar expressed optimism about the institute’s potential to uplift the region by enhancing the food processing sector and promoting entrepreneurship. He noted that Belagavi’s strategic location, at the crossroads of three states, makes it an ideal choice for such a national-level institute.
The country currently hosts two NIFTEM campuses—one in Sonepat and the other in Thanjavur—both recognized for their contributions to research, education, and skill development in food processing. These institutes offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses, equipping students with knowledge about processing farm produce, setting up industries, and marketing products.
With the Union government proposing a third such institute, Shettar has urged the Centre to select Belagavi, emphasizing its potential to benefit farmers, entrepreneurs, and the broader community in the region and neighboring states.
