Focus on promoting processing of local agricultural produce to reduce wastage and ensure better returns for farmers
Greater Noida, September 2026 : Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said the state has immense potential in the food processing sector. Uttar Pradesh has a strong position in agricultural production and produces large quantities of vegetables, fruits and other agricultural products.
He said local-level processing, packaging and branding of these products could increase farmers’ income while creating new opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship. The government is working to strengthen the food processing sector at the village and district levels, he added.
Addressing a special session on the ‘Food Processing Policy-2023’ organised as part of the UP International Trade Show-2026, Maurya said large quantities of agricultural produce reach mandis, but a significant portion often gets spoiled due to inadequate processing and storage facilities.
Timely processing of agricultural produce can help reduce food wastage and ensure better prices for farmers, he said.
Maurya said food processing was not limited to production alone. Significant opportunities were also available in packaging, branding, marketing, transportation and exports. Young people, women entrepreneurs and self-help groups could come forward in this sector and strengthen their economic position, he said.
Emphasis on International Quality Standards
The Deputy Chief Minister said special attention would have to be paid to quality to expand the reach of Uttar Pradesh’s food products in global markets. Compliance with prescribed quality standards is essential for food products entering major markets, including Europe and the United States, he said.
Entrepreneurs should focus not only on product quality but also on modern packaging and branding so that products from Uttar Pradesh can compete in international markets, Maurya said.
He added that the government was providing necessary support and guidance to entrepreneurs through various policies and schemes. At the district level, officials of the concerned departments were helping potential entrepreneurs connect with government schemes and establish businesses. Guidance related to banking and financial assistance was also being provided, he said.
Entrepreneurs and beneficiaries associated with the food processing sector shared their experiences at the programme. On the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister distributed cheques and felicitated selected beneficiaries under the policy.
UP Minister of State (Independent Charge) Narendra Kumar Kashyap, Minister of State Hansraj Vishwakarma and other dignitaries were also present.
Focus on Promoting Investment and Innovation in Food Processing: B.L. Meena
Addressing the special session on food processing at UPITS-2026, Additional Chief Secretary B.L. Meena said Uttar Pradesh was creating extensive opportunities by linking the food processing sector with agricultural production through modern technology, processing capacity, cold-chain infrastructure and exports.
He said new food processing hubs were being developed around the local agricultural produce and products of different districts. This would help add value to farmers’ produce while increasing employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, he said.
Meena urged entrepreneurs to take advantage of available government schemes and incentives to establish modern processing units and connect local products with national and international markets.
He said increased investment in the food processing sector would strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s agricultural economy and benefit the entire value chain, from farmers to entrepreneurs.
