Barabanki/Lucknow: State Minister for Horticulture, Agricultural Marketing, Foreign Trade & Exports (Independent Charge) Dinesh Pratap Singh participated in a buyer-seller conference with potato farmers, stakeholders, and cold storage owners from the Ayodhya and Devipatan divisions at the Gandhi Sabhagar, District Rural Development Authority, Barabanki. The event began with a ceremonial lamp lighting by the Minister.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Singh emphasized that the government is committed to ensuring better prices for potato producers and encouraged farmers to explore marketing opportunities in states such as Odisha and Andhra Pradesh to maximize returns. He assured that, based on market trends, farmers are likely to receive good prices for their produce this year as well.
During the conference, participants raised concerns regarding storage shortages, despite higher production of potatoes, mint, and tomatoes. Minister Singh encouraged entrepreneurs and farmers to take advantage of a 35% subsidy under the Food Processing Policy to establish new storage units and instructed officials to expedite the cold storage setup at mandi councils.
Highlighting support initiatives, the Minister noted the Potato Research Centre in Agra, the Center of Excellence for Flower Production in Barabanki, and the Center of Excellence for Honey in Shivgarh, Raebareli. He also announced that a dedicated office in Lucknow would soon be established to address farmers’ issues under one roof.
Minister Singh concluded by urging farmers to optimize production and marketing strategies, reinforcing the government’s commitment to boosting agricultural income and infrastructure in the state.
