The Uttar Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is strengthening its food processing industry through the introduction of a new policy. To encourage the establishment of new units and the modernization of existing ones, the government is expanding the scope of grants and facilities under this policy.
Officials from the Horticulture and Food Processing Department have been instructed to raise awareness about the policy and actively promote the establishment of food processing industries. This initiative aims to empower farmers and uplift the rural economy.
Enhancing the food processing sector will not only increase farmers’ earnings but will also generate thousands of job opportunities for young people. Currently, Uttar Pradesh has around 65,000 food processing units that collectively employ approximately 2.55 lakh individuals. Through the Pradhan Mantri Micro Food Industry Upgradation Scheme, grants have already been sanctioned for more than 15,000 units, creating over 1.50 lakh direct and indirect employment opportunities.
The ‘Uttar Pradesh Food Processing Industry Policy-2023’ is attracting capital investments exceeding ₹4,000 crore, significantly reinforcing the state’s food processing infrastructure. In the financial year 2024-25 alone, ₹85 crore in grants has been allocated to 70 units. Additionally, entrepreneurs are being provided financial assistance of up to ₹10 crore to set up food processing industries, further encouraging investment in the sector.
This progressive approach has propelled Uttar Pradesh to the third position in the rankings for the Pradhan Mantri Micro Food Industry Upgradation Scheme. Moreover, with an impressive 98 percent approval rate for projects last month, the state has demonstrated exceptional efficiency in implementing the scheme, reflecting its dedication to expanding the food processing industry.
Women entrepreneurs and self-help groups are also set to benefit significantly from this initiative. As part of the State Rural Livelihood Mission, self-help groups will be linked to the Pradhan Mantri FME Yojana to enhance their participation in the food processing sector. Furthermore, District Resource Persons (DRPs) will be appointed in each district to facilitate the implementation of the scheme. Entrepreneurs will be provided with technical expertise, skill training, and comprehensive support services to strengthen their capabilities in the food processing industry.
To ensure the seamless execution of this policy, a high-level meeting involving Chief Development Officers and bankers will be convened soon. The discussions will focus on streamlining the grant distribution process and offering entrepreneurs access to low-interest loans, making it easier for them to establish and expand their food processing businesses.
The expansion of the food processing industry in Uttar Pradesh is expected to play a crucial role in bolstering the state’s economy. By creating employment opportunities and ensuring that farmers receive fair prices for their agricultural produce, the policy aims to make the agricultural community financially stronger and more self-sufficient.
This visionary initiative by CM Yogi Adityanath will also open new doors for small and medium-scale entrepreneurs, giving a significant boost to the objectives of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) and Aatma Nirbhar Uttar Pradesh. With this forward-looking policy, Uttar Pradesh is poised to become the country’s largest hub for food processing, unlocking new avenues for industrial development and economic growth.