Lucknow: The Horticulture and Food Processing Department of Uttar Pradesh has initiated an extensive training drive across the state to strengthen the food processing sector, in line with the directives of Deputy Chief Minister Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya. Government Food Science Training Centres and Community Fruit Preservation & Training Centres in various districts have been tasked with imparting specialized training to youth, women, and farmers.
With clear district-wise targets in place, the department has begun training programmes aimed at enhancing entrepreneurship and employability in the food processing sector. Authorities have been instructed to ensure effective planning and monitoring of training sessions. Special emphasis is being laid on connecting trained individuals with employment opportunities and enabling them to set up their own processing units with access to subsidies and other government facilities.
Key Training Initiatives:
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One-year diploma courses for 150 individuals each in Food Processing, Bakery & Confectionery, and Cookery (Culinary Arts) during FY 2025-26.
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One-month part-time training for 250 individuals each in Bakery & Confectionery and Cookery, and for 500 individuals in integrated courses.
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15-day intensive training sessions for 15,402 individuals in food processing at government-run Community Fruit Preservation and Training Centres across divisions and districts.
Officials and principals of Food Science Training Centres in Agra, Aligarh, Meerut, Moradabad, Bareilly, Kanpur, Jhansi, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Gorakhpur, along with processing officers from Mirzapur, Devipatan, Basti, Azamgarh, Saharanpur, and Chitrakoot Dham have been instructed to align training efforts with set goals. Admission to training courses is being conducted per the official norms.
Food Processing as a Pillar of Employment & Empowerment
Under the leadership of Deputy CM Maurya, Uttar Pradesh is fast becoming a national leader in the food processing sector. Efforts are being made to:
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Promote value addition and scientific storage of agricultural produce.
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Involve Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and promote women empowerment.
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Ensure large-scale employment generation through training and entrepreneurship.
As a result, Uttar Pradesh now leads the country in the number of food processing industries established.
Policy Push: Food Processing Industry Policy-2023 & PMFME Scheme
Under the UP Food Processing Industry Policy-2023 and PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme, the government aims to establish 1,000 food processing units per district. Authorities have been instructed to conduct awareness drives at district, tehsil, and block headquarters, targeting farmers and SHG members to make them self-reliant.
Officials have also been directed to:
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Recognize and honour outstanding performers in the sector.
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Identify Agro Processing Clusters and develop value-added processing units.
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Submit proposals for new units through the state’s investment portal to encourage industrial investment.
This comprehensive initiative is expected to not only boost Uttar Pradesh’s economy but also create thousands of job opportunities, empowering local communities and reinforcing the state’s position as a frontrunner in India’s food processing landscape.
