The state is expanding food parks, cold chains and agro-processing clusters while promoting investment, value addition and employment in the food sector.
Uttar Pradesh is working to strengthen its position as a major food processing hub by improving coordination between agriculture and industry, according to Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya. Speaking at the inauguration of the 11th edition of India Food Expo 2026 in Lucknow on September 18, Maurya highlighted efforts to increase the value of agricultural produce, improve farmers’ incomes and strengthen the rural economy.
The state government is focusing on investment, innovation and technological development across the food processing sector. Maurya said Uttar Pradesh has significant potential for industrial expansion, job creation and wider market access for locally produced food products. The government is seeking to connect agricultural production more closely with processing and industrial activities.
As part of this approach, mega food parks, cold chain networks and agro-processing clusters are being expanded across the state. These facilities are intended to strengthen the supply chain between farms and markets while supporting greater value addition to agricultural products.
The state’s food processing initiatives also include support for women-led enterprises. The PM Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme has been linked with the State Rural Livelihood Mission, with women’s self-help groups eligible for subsidies of up to 35% along with financial assistance for processing and branding products such as pickles, packaged foods and millet-based items.
Uttar Pradesh is also focusing on developing a skilled workforce for the sector. According to Maurya, youth are receiving training through the Chief Minister’s Youth Self-Employment Scheme and district-level training centres, while new agro-startups are being connected with incubation centres and modern technologies. The state says these efforts are contributing to direct and indirect employment opportunities.
The food processing push forms part of the state’s broader economic strategy. Maurya said stronger coordination between agriculture and industry could contribute to Uttar Pradesh’s goal of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy. The government’s current approach places food processing, supply-chain infrastructure, entrepreneurship and agricultural value addition among the areas being developed to support that objective.
The development comes amid wider efforts in India to increase food processing, reduce agricultural waste and create additional value from farm output. In July, Union Food Processing Industries Minister Chirag Paswan also highlighted the sector’s potential to raise farmer incomes, create jobs and reduce wastage of agricultural and horticultural produce.