Uttar Pradesh is advancing its agricultural sector by promoting it as a source of income, employment, and export. A plan to establish 1,000 food processing units per district is underway, aiming to bolster agri-based industries and generate employment. An Indo-Dutch Center for Excellence will be inaugurated in Barabanki, focusing on advanced research and training in floriculture and vegetable cultivation, in collaboration with the Netherlands.
An export hub near Jewar Airport and a gamma radiation plant in Lucknow are planned to enhance product quality and shelf life. This shift towards scientific farming practices has reduced disguised unemployment and improved farmers' income. Fruit and vegetable cultivation offers higher profits and employment opportunities. According to CII President Sanjiv Puri, "cultivating fruits and vegetables yields 2 to 2.5 times more profit than traditional crops and creates large-scale rural employment."
Over 17,000 food processing units have been established under the Pradhan Mantri Khadya Unnayan Yojana, with subsidies and loans available. Women entrepreneurs receive up to 90 per cent subsidy for solar plant installations in these units. These facilities create jobs in areas such as nurseries, plantations, plucking, grading, packaging, and logistics
Post-COVID health awareness has increased demand for fresh produce. An SBI report indicates that per capita fruit and vegetable consumption in the state has risen from 7 kg to 12 kg annually over the past decade. Uttar Pradesh leads the nation in both the production and consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Source: Jagran