Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman who inaugurated an indoor stadium at Government Arts and Science College in Tiruchuli on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Appreciating the chilli growers from Virudhunagar district for using less pesticides in their crops, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the commodity, which is now being processed as chilli flakes, would soon be in great demand for exports across the globe on Saturday.Speaking at the inauguration of the Global Chilly Agro Private Limited at Sennilakkudi, Tiruchuli, near here, established with the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) assistance, she said that the farmers here had displayed that they can achieve through unity and hard work.Today, the chillies grown here are processed and the chilli flakes are ready for exports to Sri Lanka, which she flagged off on the occasion.“With less pesticides used, even people in the USA and other countries were eager to import chilli flakes from Virudhunagar district.... I am proud of you (farmers),” she said and described them as “anna daathaa” (food giver).The Finance Minister said that a few years ago Prime Minister Narendra Modi had suggested to identify commodities or services in each district in the country. Virudhunagar, which was known for growing chillies in a big way, was suggested then.By roping in the SIDBI, Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman said that they identified an entrepreneur, who came forward to set up the processing unit. Thus, the idea of the Prime Minister was successfully implemented here, she said and commended the SIDBI CMD Manoj Mittal, Deputy MD Prakash Kumar, Chief General Manager Malhotra and Regional Manager Praveen Kumar for their efforts.The unit has not only earned the distinction of being unique, but has also become a model unit for the nation as the officials led by Mr. Mittal had obtained all the mandatory certification, which would enable the institution to do business with ease.Tiruchuli MLA and former Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu presided. Virudhunagar District Collector N.O. Sukhaputra participated.Mr. Mittal welcomed and Global Chilli Agro Private Limited Managing Director Ramanathan proposed a vote of thanks.Earlier, Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman inaugurated an indoor sports complex at the Government Arts and Science College in Tiruchuli developed under the SBI Foundation’s sports programme.The inauguration was held in the presence of SBI Deputy Managing Director (HR) G.S. Rana, Mr. Thangam Thennarasu, Mr Sukhaputra and College Principal Dr.G. Beulah.Built in response to a need identified by the District Rural Development Agency, Virudhunagar, the facility brings modern multi-sport infrastructure to students and young athletes from nearby villages. It includes a multipurpose indoor hall with adaptable turf for basketball, volleyball and badminton, a fully equipped gymnasium and a dedicated board games room, all designed for inclusivity and open community access.The complex aims to benefit more than 500 college students each year and reach over 1,000 youth from surrounding villages through open-access programming and outreach. The project was implemented in partnership with the Sri Sri Rural Development Programme Trust.Through its sports program ACE, SBI Foundation supports both para and able-bodied athletes on their journey to national and international competition. To date, the Foundation has backed over 300 athletes, who have together won more than 650 medals, with over 40% won by para-athletes, SBI posted in its social media page.EOM Published - July 18, 2026 08:17 pm IST
