The Uttar Pradesh government has attracted over Rs.5000 crore in investment from national and international companies in the food processing sector.
The Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA) has given land to companies including AB Mauri, PepsiCo, ITC Limited, and Coca Cola for projects.
Uttar Pradesh's food processing policy offers a wide range of financial incentives to investors, including subsidies and marketing assistance.
Recognizing the challenges of its alottees visiting the office during the pandemic, UPSIDA began delivering 24 of its services online to help investors across the board. It also helped companies in establishing units throughout the state, from Deori in the east to Saharanpur in the west. These investments have created employment opportunities for skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled labourers, as well as opportunities for farmers to increase their income.
Mayur Maheshwari, CEO of UPSIDA, stated, "During the pandemic, UPSIDA provided land and assistance to several prominent investors in the food processing sector. To mention a few, significant food processing businesses includes AB Mauri of the United Kingdom, PepsiCo, ITC Ltd, and Coca Cola. UPSIDA has received more than Rs.2800 crore in FDI despite the adverse Covid-19 scenario, because to its investor-friendly strategy and proactive vision."
AB Mauri, a UK-based business, intends to invest Rs.1100 crore in Pilibhit and Rs.400 crore in Chitrakoot district. Both of these plants will produce baker's yeast and are projected to employ around 10,000 people.
PepsiCo has commissioned its Rs.814 crore Kosi Kalan foods plant in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, marking the largest green field investment in manufacturing in India.
The Kosi Kalan food plant, which was launched by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, will play an important role in expanding PepsiCo's food production in the country. Over 1,500 direct and indirect employment would be created as a result of the facility, resulting in inclusive growth.
Mayur Maheshwari stated that UPSIDA has also granted land to ITC Ltd, which is investing Rs.800 crore in its operations at Sandila in Hardoi district. He further stated that the proposed unit will be built on 60 acres and will employ over 1,000 people.
UPSIDA's Sandila Industrial Area is growing as a favoured food processing destination, with Anantjeet Snack N Food Private Limited, under agreement with Haldiram, also establishing a unit there with an investment of around Rs.50 crore and 250 job opportunities. Hindustan Food Limited is also building a factory in Sandila for Rs.166 crore.
Coca Cola has established a plant at Kursi Road Industrial Area of UPSIDA in Barabanki district, close to the state capital, with an investment of Rs.500 crore. With an additional investment of more than R. 200 crore, the beverage business intends to increase its manufacturing capacity to 4,200 bottles per minute. It now employs around 500 locals, and this figure is expected to rise as a result of the projected capacity expansion.
Recognizing the need for land in the food processing sector, UPSIDA is preparing to launch a Food Park project in Baheri, Bareilly district. The 250-acre plot of land will open up new prospects for the food manufacturing industries. Aside from area earmarked for industries, provision has been made for commercial and support activities.
The Mega Food Park scheme aims to provide a mechanism to connect agricultural output to the market by bringing together farmers, processors, and retailers to maximise value addition, minimise waste, increase farmers' income, and provide employment opportunities, particularly in the rural sector.
The park is located near the UP-Uttarakhand border in the agriculturally rich terai region and is well connected by road, rail, and air routes, allowing for smooth transportation of raw materials and finished products. The upcoming park will also benefit from forward and backward connections with the food processing industry ecosystem in the Bareilly region.
According to UPSIDA CEO Mayur Maheshwari, the process of soliciting applications for land allotment in Baheri Food Park would begin shortly, since infrastructural development activities for the project are nearing completion.
