Lucknow: The need to enhance the competitiveness and operational capacity of the roller flour mill industry and to address issues related to market fee (mandi fee) on wheat processing was discussed in detail during a Dialogue-cum-Development Workshop organised by the UP Roller Flour Millers Association on Wednesday. The primary focus of the workshop was the demand for exemption from mandi fee on wheat processing to accelerate growth in the sector.
Addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest, Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Khanna formally launched the official website of the Uttar Pradesh Roller Flour Millers Association. He said that the state government aims to ensure that all roller flour mills in Uttar Pradesh operate at full capacity, while also encouraging the establishment of new industrial units. This, he noted, would lead to increased employment opportunities and ensure better prices for farmers’ produce.
The Finance Minister further stated that the state government is continuously working to secure “productive state” status for Uttar Pradesh, which would significantly accelerate overall economic development.
Role of Food Processing Industry Highlighted
Dinesh Pratap Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge), who attended the programme as a Special Guest, said that entrepreneurs associated with the food processing industry are strengthening the state’s financial resources while also playing a crucial role in employment generation and ensuring fair remuneration for farmers. He added that by supplying essential food products to society, the industry is fulfilling its broader social responsibilities.
Industry-Friendly Environment in Uttar Pradesh
Programme convenor Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Executive Officer of the State Transformation Commission, said that the Uttar Pradesh government’s policy intent is clear—to promote industrial growth and expansion across the state. He highlighted that a strong road network, expanding expressways, increasing number of airports, and improved law and order have created a conducive ecosystem for industrial establishment and operations.
Key Concern: Underutilisation of Processing Capacity
Deepak Kumar Bajaj, President of the UP Roller Flour Millers Association, pointed out that Uttar Pradesh ranks first in wheat production in the country, with an annual output of around 36 million tonnes. Despite this, more than 350 flour mills in the state are operating at only 35–40 percent of their installed processing capacity.
He attributed this underutilisation primarily to the mandi fee imposed on wheat processing, noting that several other states have already abolished such charges.
Call for Unconditional Exemption from Mandi Fee
The Association demanded that flour mills be granted unconditional exemption from mandi fee on wheat procurement, whether purchased directly from farmers or through traders. According to industry representatives, such a move would significantly boost wheat processing, create new employment opportunities, promote allied industries, and strengthen the state’s economy.
Long-Term Vision for Industrial Growth
Summing up the discussions, speakers emphasised that if wheat is Uttar Pradesh’s strength, its processing should become the state’s identity. Exemption from mandi fee on wheat processing was described not as a concession, but as a long-term investment in employment generation, farmers’ income enhancement, and sustainable industrial development.
Participants
The workshop was attended by Indra Vikram Singh (Secretary, Mandi Parishad) and several industry leaders, including Dharmendra Jain, Chandan Sawariya, Pramod Vaishya, Madan Lal Jindal, Arjun Agrawal, Vijay Gupta, Ankit Kedia, Shyam Sundar Bajaj, Shrikishan Agrawal, Manjeet Singh, Ramchandra Singhal, Akash Jalan, Suresh Singhal, Pramod Rao, Sheetal Agrawal, along with numerous entrepreneurs from across the state.
