08/09/2025
Points Raised by Mohan Kadimpalli , Founder – Arthadharma Financial Literacy Foundation
at the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) Meeting, Kurnool
Date: 8th September 2025 | Chaired by: Shri T.G. Bharath, Hon’ble Minister for Industries
1. Research & Agriculture Support
Request for dedicated research institutes for tomatoes and cotton, as farmers are facing recurring issues with crop viability and unstable prices. Highlighted a critical social issue: recently, two onion farmers in Kurnool attempted su***de due to non-viable crop prices, emphasizing the urgency for systemic reforms and industry support.
Need to strengthen food processing sectors in Rayalaseema to absorb agricultural output and create value-added products.
2. MSME & Export Promotion
Special focus needed on export opportunities for SMEs from Kurnool and Rayalaseema.
Suggested introduction of export facilitation cells within DIC to guide SMEs on documentation, market access, and logistics.
3. District Industries Centre (DIC) Infrastructure
Requested a modern building for the District Industries Centre (DIC), Kurnool, with upgraded facilities that can inspire entrepreneurs and industrialists.
4. Education & Innovation Hubs
Welcomed Rayalaseema University becoming a spoke for the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub. Recommended providing free working spaces for startups and enterprises under this initiative.
Suggested stronger integration of AI and technology solutions with IIITDM Kurnool to directly support local MSMEs.
5. Global Capability Centres (GCCs)
Urged the Government to prioritize setting up Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in Kurnool, which would generate high-quality employment for the educated youth.
Pointed out that current projects in the district are limited to land-utilization initiatives such as solar power projects, which do not create significant employment.
Emphasized that while Visakhapatnam is receiving focus for GCCs and IT-driven projects, Kurnool has equal potential with skilled manpower, connectivity, and institutional support, and should not be overlooked.
6. Employment-Oriented Industrial Policy
Strongly recommended that industrial projects in Kurnool should move beyond land utilization and focus on employment-generating industries such as:
IT-enabled services
Food processing and agro-based industries
Knowledge and innovation hubs