Lucknow – In a major step to boost the food processing industry, the Uttar Pradesh government has approved 19 new projects under the UP Food Processing Industry Policy–2023. The decision was taken at a meeting of the State Level Empowered Committee chaired by Agriculture Production Commissioner Deepak Kumar, where all proposals were discussed in detail and granted approval along with the issuance of Letters of Comfort.
New Direction for Investment and Expansion
The approved projects include ventures in ready-to-eat food, dairy processing, frozen foods, and solar power. From Bundelkhand to Bareilly-Rampur, fruit and vegetable-based industries are set to expand, ensuring farmers receive fair prices for their produce while creating fresh employment opportunities for youth.
Deputy CM’s Directives
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya instructed officials to ensure time-bound action on the project proposals. He further stressed on regular review of subsidy-related matters for established units and called for a special focus on the implementation of the PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme.
Key Highlights of the Meeting
- Agreement to resolve fire safety and pollution clearance issues at the appraisal committee level.
- Subsidy of up to ₹50 lakh for installing 75 kW solar plants—over 100 entrepreneurs have already benefited.
- The National Sugar Institute, Kanpur, to train 100 new entrepreneurs in jaggery-based products within the next three months.
- Approval granted for modernization of 77 government-run community fruit preservation and training centers.
- Emphasis on providing trained youth with new employment opportunities in the food processing sector.
Direct Benefits for Farmers and Youth
The committee emphasized ensuring local availability of raw materials for processing units. It was also agreed to implement the PPP model with support from Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
One notable example is the approval of a sauce, jam, and pickle production unit proposed by Raebareli-based young entrepreneur Prabhat Kumar Singh, who pursued higher education in Poland. His project reflects how educated youth in the state are increasingly entering the food processing start-up space.
A Step Toward Inclusive Growth
With these initiatives, Uttar Pradesh is positioning itself as a rising hub for food processing industries. The sector promises to strengthen the rural economy, empower farmers, attract fresh investments, and open up sustainable employment avenues for the youth.
Senior officials including Additional Chief Secretary B.L. Meena, Special Secretary Prerna Sharma, Director B.P. Ram, and Deputy Director Dr. M.P. Singh were present in the meeting.
