Bareilly: A district-level Cluster Facilitation Unit meeting aimed at promoting agricultural exports from Bareilly and addressing exporters’ concerns was held at the Collectorate Auditorium under the chairmanship of District Magistrate Avinash Singh.
During the meeting, Senior Agricultural Marketing Inspector Sompal Singh Yadav presented detailed information about various incentive schemes available under the Uttar Pradesh Agricultural Export Policy. He explained that incentives are being provided for the development of export-oriented agricultural clusters. Under the scheme, clusters covering 50 to 100 hectares within a development block are eligible for incentives of up to ₹10 lakh over five years upon registration and fulfillment of export obligations. An additional incentive of ₹6 lakh is available for every further 50-hectare expansion. A minimum of 30 percent of the total production must be exported under the policy.
Officials also informed participants that new processing units, pack houses, cold storages, and ripening chambers established near clusters would be eligible for incentives up to ₹25 lakh or 10 percent of export turnover, whichever is lower, for procurement and export of notified agricultural commodities.
The meeting further highlighted that exporters and firms can receive transportation subsidies amounting to 25 percent of actual freight charges, subject to a maximum of ₹20 lakh annually per exporter or firm for agricultural and processed agricultural exports.
Detailed information was also shared regarding reimbursement facilities for Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification, organic certification, and Maximum Residue Level (MRL) testing for farmer groups and progressive farmers. Officials stated that exporters and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are also being provided free participation opportunities in national and international trade fairs through the “UP Pavilion.”
Exporters attending the meeting raised several practical concerns related to quality testing, packaging, transportation, certification, marketing, and departmental coordination. District Magistrate Avinash Singh directed concerned departments to ensure prompt and effective resolution of exporters’ issues on a priority basis.
He emphasized that strong inter-departmental coordination, quality production, modern packaging, and compliance with international standards are essential for enhancing agricultural exports. He also stressed the need to connect more FPOs and farmers with export-oriented activities to increase farmers’ income and strengthen the district’s agricultural economy.
The District Magistrate further instructed departments to ensure that exporters receive maximum benefits under government schemes, along with necessary technical guidance and simplified export procedures.
The meeting was attended by officials from various agriculture-related departments, exporters, FPO representatives, and progressive farmers, including Nihal Singh, Mohammad Shahir, and Ramveer Singh.
