Uttar Pradesh has logged fresh investment proposals of Rs 4,000 crore under the new food processing policy that directly benefits the rural economy.
The Yogi Adityanath government 2.0 has expanded the scope of grants and facilities under the new policy to facilitate establishment of new units and upgrade existing ones.
The state horticulture and food processing department is nudging entrepreneurs to leverage the policy and set up food processing industries.
Boosting food processing industries will not only raise farm incomes but also create thousands of jobs for youth.
Currently, UP is home to 65,000 food processing units that employ around 255,000 people.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Micro Food Industry Upgradation Scheme, grants have been approved for over 15,000 units, generating 150,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Under the UP Food Processing Industry Policy-2023, capital investment proposals exceeding Rs 4,000 crore have been received.
In financial year 2024-25 alone, Rs 85 crore in grants has been allocated to 70 units, while entrepreneurs are being offered grants of up to Rs 10 crore to set up industries.
This proactive policy has positioned UP 3rd in the Pradhan Mantri Micro Food Industry Upgradation Scheme rankings.
Women entrepreneurs and self-help groups will also benefit from this initiative.
Under the State Rural Livelihood Mission, self-help groups will be linked to the Pradhan Mantri FME Yojana. District Resource Persons (DRPs) will be appointed in each district to help achieve the scheme’s objectives.
Entrepreneurs will receive technical knowledge, skill training, and hand-holding support services to enhance their capabilities in the industry.
This initiative by CM Yogi will open new opportunities for small and medium entrepreneurs as well, giving fillip to the vision of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Aatma Nirbhar Uttar Pradesh.
With this policy, Uttar Pradesh is set to establish itself as the largest food processing hub in the country, unlocking new possibilities for industrial growth.