Lucknow : Lucknow, September 02 : With millions of farmers cultivating fertile plains along the Ganga and Yamuna, Uttar Pradesh stands as a critical driver of India’s agricultural growth. In 2023–24 alone, the state produced 6.68 crore tonnes of foodgrains, nearly 18% of India’s total, including over 31% of national wheat output. Sugarcane production reached 2,495 lakh tonnes, further reinforcing UP’s role as India’s agricultural powerhouse. Agriculture now contributes ₹6.35 lakh crore to the state’s GDP, accounting for 16.8% of the total — a clear indicator of its centrality to UP’s economy.
The state is home to millions of small and marginal farmersUP: Driving Agri & Food Processing to Global Frontiers
Harvesting Prosperity & Strengthening Food Processing Innovation Globally
Connecting Farmers to the World, Driving Global Agri Value Chains
Reaping Global Partnerships, Harvesting Prosperity, Expanding Culture who are increasingly adopting high-yield seeds, mechanization, and sustainable practices. Through these shifts, productivity and rural incomes are steadily rising. Districts such as Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, and Barabanki remain top producers, while eastern districts like Azamgarh and Mau have seen sugarcane growth of over 50%, reflecting how transformation is spreading across regions.
Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to agricultural transformation is also visible through focused schemes. More than 2.26 crore farmers benefit annually from direct transfers under PM-Kisan, and a fresh registration campaign is targeting all 2.88 crore cultivators across the state. Farmers have additionally received support in the form of free electricity for 15 lakh tube wells, solar pumps under the Kusum scheme, and loan waivers worth ₹36,000 crore for 86 lakh farmers. Initiatives like Kisan Kalyan Mission and Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan — which aims to reach 50 lakh farmers in 65,000 villages — are helping diversify crops, improve soil health, and modernize irrigation.
The state has also emerged as a national leader in horticulture and processing. UP ranks first in the production of potatoes, mangoes, and amla, second in vegetables, and third in fruits. These natural strengths are being harnessed through a fast-growing food processing sector that spans dairy, ready-to-eat foods, frozen products, fruit pulp, and packaged snacks. Last year, mango exports rose by nearly 7.6%, while GI-tagged products like Malihabad Dussehri mangoes, Pratapgarh aamla, and Siddharthnagar’s Kala Namak rice strengthened UP’s presence in global markets.
By integrating cold storage, modern packaging, mechanized processing, and quality certifications, the state is significantly reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing food safety. Farmers are now not only producing more but also connecting directly with national and international value chains, boosting profitability and competitiveness.
UPITS provides a world-class platform that unites farmers, cooperatives, processors, exporters, and investors under one roof. It equips participants with modern technologies, sustainable practices, and global quality benchmarks, enabling trade deals, partnerships, and long-term collaboration. The platform also showcases the state’s Mega Food Parks, agro-industrial clusters, and skilling initiatives that are generating rural jobs and fostering entrepreneurship.
Looking ahead, Uttar Pradesh is aligning its agricultural strength with its $1 trillion economy vision. By combining innovation, infrastructure, and farmer welfare with global partnerships, the state is positioning itself as a trusted sourcing hub capable of delivering high-quality, safe, and sustainable agricultural products to the world. Through UPITS, it continues to harvest prosperity, expand opportunities, and elevate its agri-economy to the global stage. |