Lucknow/New Delhi: In a significant push to strengthen the food processing sector and rural economy, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya held a detailed meeting with Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan in New Delhi on Wednesday.
The discussions focused on accelerating the growth of food processing industries in Uttar Pradesh, enhancing employment opportunities, and empowering rural entrepreneurs. The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted that under the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme, the state has emerged as a national leader in loan approvals and disbursements, reflecting its efficient implementation and beneficiary-centric approach.
Both leaders deliberated on strategies to further strengthen the scheme’s execution, ensuring wider outreach and better access to financial and technical support for micro-entrepreneurs. Special emphasis was laid on promoting self-employment in rural areas and enabling local products to reach national and international markets.
Maurya informed that Common Incubation Centres are being developed at a rapid pace across the state and will soon be dedicated to the nation. These centres are expected to provide modern technology, training, and food processing facilities to budding entrepreneurs, thereby enhancing productivity and quality standards.
The meeting also explored the inclusion of mobile food processing units under the PMFME scheme. This initiative is expected to benefit small-scale entrepreneurs in remote and rural areas by facilitating on-site processing and value addition, ultimately contributing to increased farmers’ income.
Discussions were also held on budgetary provisions and timely payments, with a focus on ensuring smooth implementation of various initiatives. The role of the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihood Mission was highlighted, particularly in providing seed capital support of ₹19 crore to Self-Help Groups (SHGs). This move is aimed at empowering women economically and strengthening grassroots-level entrepreneurship.
Reiterating the state government’s commitment, Maurya said that Uttar Pradesh is actively working towards realizing the vision of Vocal for Local and Atmanirbhar Bharat by promoting investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship in the food processing sector. He expressed confidence that strong coordination between the Centre and the state will enable Uttar Pradesh to emerge as a leading food processing hub, creating vast opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, and self-help groups alike.
The meeting underscored a shared commitment to inclusive growth, rural development, and sustainable economic expansion through strategic policy support and collaborative efforts.
