Lucknow: The export potential of the state will be tapped through farmer-industry-institutions partnership and information will be provided about international agricultural practices and market functioning. The state is considering collaborating globally to create a seed park, as announced by the Agriculture Minister and our Agriculture Minister visited Hyderabad this week. ICFA is in talks with top Dutch companies to collaborate in creating a seed park here and I will visit the Netherlands to finalise the collaboration. The above was said by Uttar Pradesh Horticulture and Agricultural Export Minister Dinesh Pratap Singh while addressing the first State Agriculture Summit organized by the Indian Chamber of Food and Agriculture in Lucknow.
Addressing the program, he also called upon the business leaders present to organize farmer programs at the district level. The discussion at the conclave revolved around the state’s remarkable achievements in agriculture and explored strategies for further progress, especially in the areas of precision agriculture and digital agriculture.
The minister appreciated ICFA’s proposal to collaborate with the state government and set up a state commodity board and create a district agriculture council, both of which are expected to have a significant impact on the sector. The minister emphasized the importance of grassroots participation, stressing the need to educate farmers in villages.
He highlighted the important role of quality production in increasing market presence and the need for focused effort on the export sector. He also underlined the importance of reaching out to village farmers to ensure inclusive growth.
Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak said that Uttar Pradesh has immense potential in the field of agriculture, opportunities are abundant, which need to be translated through projects and partnerships with chambers and the private sector and to mobilize trade and investment to strengthen the agricultural economy and farmers’ income.
ICFA’s effort in bringing projects and investment in agriculture through the participation of business delegations and hosting such summits is a very welcome step. We also appreciate ICFA’s proposal to set up District Agriculture Councils as the apex convergence platform in all districts of Uttar Pradesh to help farmers in backward and forward linkages. He said that I understand that ICFA is organizing its first state-level summit in Uttar Pradesh. Our government is committed to provide all possible assistance.
He said that the awards being given today to key stakeholders and outstanding performers who have made significant contributions to the state’s agriculture sector and farmers is the first to be done by ICFA in any state. The awards are being given not only to researchers, industry and academia but also to farmers, agri startups and rural organisations that are working on the ground. From the seed sector to fertilisers, sugar to digital technologies and organic food to drone companies, I congratulate all the award winners and hope they will be more committed to the development of Uttar Pradesh.
Dr. Poonam Malakondaiah (IAS), former ACS-Agriculture and former head of Raithu Bharosa Kendra of Andhra Pradesh Government, has emphasized on three aspects. She has given quality inputs for farmers, market linkage and loan assistance to help farmers. ICFA President Dr. MJ Khan highlighted the important need to integrate digital technology in agricultural practices. He emphasized that agricultural efficiency
Digital enablement of farmers is essential for improving productivity, increasing quality of produce, reducing costs and ultimately increasing the overall value of agricultural produce.
Awards given to them
The event comprised four sessions, each of which discussed key aspects of the agriculture sector. Policy initiatives in agriculture and food processing, agribusiness and investment opportunities in Uttar Pradesh and development of agri-supply and value chains within the state. The evening session saw the inauguration of Agroworld 2025 and UP State Agriculture Awards were presented by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak to 21 individuals and institutions for their outstanding contribution to the state. As part of the programme, ICFA hosted a roundtable of 40 CEOs over dinner yesterday, which was chaired by Chief Minister’s Advisor Awanish Awasthi. During this, more than a dozen CEOs had expressed interest for a billion dollar investment and projects and partnerships. This conclave is a significant step towards promoting agricultural development in Uttar Pradesh with focus on innovation, policy support and collaboration among stakeholders.
The prominent awardees included life-long former Agriculture Minister Dr. Ashok Bajpai, IIT Ropar for Technology, NBRI for Research, CSA Krishi Vishwavidyalaya for Academics, AVPL for Drones, DCM Shriram for CSR, Pusa-Krishi for Startups and Dhanuka Group for Corporate. The event was moderated by Mukesh Bahadur Singh, Chairman, ICFA-UP State Council.
He highlighted the importance of Chambers, strengthening the linkages between farmers and industry, FPOs and industry and creating linkages between horticulture and agricultural produce for the farmers of the state of Uttar Pradesh.
