The growing trend of ready-to-eat products is driving significant growth in the agricultural processing industry. Recognizing this shift, the double-engine government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is actively promoting food processing, positioning Uttar Pradesh, a largely agrarian state, to reap the greatest benefits.

India’s agricultural exports are steadily rising. In 2019–20, exports stood at $35 billion, which surged to $51 billion by 2024–25, with fruits and vegetables accounting for the largest share. The central government has devised a comprehensive strategy to further boost this growth by identifying approximately two dozen export-worthy products and their target markets. To reduce logistics costs, sea routes are being prioritized for exports.

9 agro-climatic zones

Uttar Pradesh stands out as the biggest beneficiary of these developments. It leads the country in the production of potatoes, sugarcane, wheat, mangoes, and a range of vegetables. The state’s agricultural potential continues to grow, supported by a robust combination of resources: over 56% of the population comprises youth, most agricultural land is irrigated, and its nine agro-climatic zones enable the cultivation of a diverse range of crops.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath often emphasizes that nature and divine grace have blessed UP with the potential to become India’s food basket. By combining tradition with modern practices, UP’s agricultural output can increase fourfold.

Since the Yogi government came to power in 2017, targeted policies have led to consistent growth in agriculture, contributing to the overall development of the state. A few months ago, NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Dr. Rajiv Kumar, during his visit to Lucknow, lauded UP’s economic progress and remarked that it could become the “growth engine of Viksit Bharat.” He suggested enhancing the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme by focusing on value-added, market-driven products and turning districts into hubs of economic activity.

ODOP initiative

The Yogi government is already moving in this direction. Several agri-based products, including Kala Namak rice, banana, jaggery, amla, mango, and guava, are part of the ODOP initiative. To improve their quality and market appeal, Common Facility Centers (CFCs) are being established, and detailed District Action Plans have been rolled out. To boost fruit and vegetable production, Centres of Excellence are being established in every district, with technical support from countries such as Israel and Denmark. A horticulture university is also in the pipeline.

As a result, not only is agricultural production increasing, but food processing units are also expanding rapidly. The state government is promoting cluster-based production aligned with regional agro-climatic zones, such as peanut and pulse processing in Bundelkhand, mango processing near Lucknow, amla production in Pratapgarh, potato production in Agra, and guava production in Prayagraj.

Letters of Comfort

Out of 1,188 applications received for setting up processing units, 328 have already been approved and issued Letters of Comfort. This has led to an investment of Rs 50,000 crore in the processing sector, creating employment for approximately 60,000 people, both directly and indirectly.

With enhanced infrastructure and connectivity, demand for both fresh and ready-to-eat food products is rising, including in export markets. Around 2.5 crore farmer families in the state are set to benefit from this transformation. Backed by government support, youth are becoming local entrepreneurs, creating jobs for themselves and others. True to its vision, the Yogi government is turning job seekers into job creators—fueling UP’s rise as a national leader in agri-processing and food exports.