
Minister inaugurates Centrally-funded Common Incubation Centre for coconut value-addition at TNAU
The Centrally-funded Common Incubation Centre (CIC) for processing coconut products was commissioned at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, by M. Anbarasan, State Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), on Friday.
The CIC functioning out of the Department of Food Process Engineering, Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, on the TNAU campus is envisaged to play a supportive role for coconut farmers, Food Processing Organisations, NGOs, and start-ups on custom-hiring basis.
M. Balakrishnan, Professor and Head, Department of Food Process Engineering, TNAU, Coimbatore, explained and demonstrated various processing lines of coconut products to the Minister and senior officials.
Atul Anand, Additional Chief Secretary to Government, MSME Department; L. Nirmal Raj, Industries Commissioner and Director of Industries and Commerce; and R. Thamizh Vendan, Registrar and Acting Vice- Chancellor, TNAU, Coimbatore, took part.
The State Level Technical Institute (SLTI) and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, are the State Nodal Agency (SNA) of PMFME Scheme.
At another function, the TNAU signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Food and Biotech Industries.
The Biotech Council for Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology (CoEB) in the university fosters research and development activities under public-private partnership mode to develop super active enzymes/biomolecules, biobased products, hormones for fruit ripening, plant growth stimulants and similar bio-inputs for the commercial benefit of farmers. Prof. Thamizh Vendan said the MoA was signed with two established companies: M/s. Pechi Foods Private Limited, Coimbatore, and M/s. Innogreen India Marketing, Madurai, for facilitating the knowledge space to develop research activities.
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The Hindu
4 days ago
- The Hindu
Minister inaugurates Centrally-funded Common Incubation Centre for coconut value-addition at TNAU
The Centrally-funded Common Incubation Centre (CIC) for processing coconut products was commissioned at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, by M. Anbarasan, State Minister for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), on Friday. The CIC functioning out of the Department of Food Process Engineering, Agricultural Engineering College and Research Institute, on the TNAU campus is envisaged to play a supportive role for coconut farmers, Food Processing Organisations, NGOs, and start-ups on custom-hiring basis. M. Balakrishnan, Professor and Head, Department of Food Process Engineering, TNAU, Coimbatore, explained and demonstrated various processing lines of coconut products to the Minister and senior officials. Atul Anand, Additional Chief Secretary to Government, MSME Department; L. Nirmal Raj, Industries Commissioner and Director of Industries and Commerce; and R. Thamizh Vendan, Registrar and Acting Vice- Chancellor, TNAU, Coimbatore, took part. The State Level Technical Institute (SLTI) and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, Chennai, are the State Nodal Agency (SNA) of PMFME Scheme. At another function, the TNAU signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Food and Biotech Industries. The Biotech Council for Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology (CoEB) in the university fosters research and development activities under public-private partnership mode to develop super active enzymes/biomolecules, biobased products, hormones for fruit ripening, plant growth stimulants and similar bio-inputs for the commercial benefit of farmers. Prof. Thamizh Vendan said the MoA was signed with two established companies: M/s. Pechi Foods Private Limited, Coimbatore, and M/s. Innogreen India Marketing, Madurai, for facilitating the knowledge space to develop research activities.

The Hindu
4 days ago
- The Hindu
Campaign aiming for planning for Kharif season 2025 begins
A State-level campaign aimed at facilitating preparatory agricultural planning for the Kharif season 2025 was conducted at Kanakkampalayam village in Gobichettipalayam block on Thursday. The Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have jointly proposed to organise the 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' (VKSP) from May 29 to June 12. The State-level launch event was organised by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), MYRADA Erode, in the village. R. Thamizh Vendan, Vice-Chancellor in-charge, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, inaugurated the programme in the presence of A. Velmurugan, Assistant Director General, ICAR–NRM, New Delhi, P. Govindaraj, Director, ICAR–Sugarcane Breeding Institute, Coimbatore, M. Kailasam, Principal Scientist, ICAR–Central Institute of Brackishwater Aquaculture, Chennai, Ravindra Naik, Head, Regional Station, Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Coimbatore, P.P. Murugan, Director of Extension Education, TNAU, Coimbatore, and R. Yasothai, Professor and Head, Veterinary University Training and Research Centre, Erode. Delegates visited 14 stalls set up by KVK for the benefit of the farming community. With support from IFFCO, a drone demonstration was conducted to showcase its technological benefits for farmers. During the programme, 17 Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials were released, and agricultural inputs were distributed to farmers. The objectives and benefits of various Central and State government schemes were explained to the participating farmers. A total of 542 farmers and entrepreneurs took part in the event.


Time of India
26-05-2025
- Time of India
MFI portfolio continues to de-grow, asset quality remains challenging: Report
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