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SAMPADAK PRAVEEN SAINI
With 56 million tonnes of agricultural output, Uttar Pradesh is India’s “Food Bowl”; time to become the “Bakery Capital” – Dr. Singh’s vision
Lucknow A three-day Food & Bakery Expo – 2025 commenced on Thursday at Avadh Shilpgram, Shaheed Path, Lucknow. The expo was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak and Sarojininagar MLA Dr. Rajeshwar Singh, who cut the ceremonial ribbon. Dr. Singh visited all the stalls, interacted with entrepreneurs and industrialists, and addressed the gathering.
In his address, Dr. Singh stated that currently, only 6% of India’s total food products undergo processing, while the government’s target is to raise this figure to at least 20% in the coming years. He added: “Under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ji, the Food Processing Policy 2022–27 has been implemented, offering facilities such as subsidies, single-window clearance, and fast-track approval systems. This policy is opening new doors of opportunity for farmers and entrepreneurs across the state.”
*Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s potential, Dr. Singh said:*
“UP today produces 56 million tonnes of agricultural output, making it the Food Bowl of India. The government is committed to further harnessing this strength and transforming Uttar Pradesh into the ‘Bakery Capital of India’. The food processing industry has the power to play a decisive role in making UP a $1 trillion economy by 2027.”
*He emphasized his clear vision:*
“Modern food processing clusters should be developed in every district, where single-window clearance, simplified environmental approvals, and immediate electricity connections are ensured under one roof. This will increase farmers’ income, generate jobs for youth, and give industries new energy.”
Dr. Singh assured entrepreneurs of full government support and resources to strengthen the sector. The event was graced by Deputy CM Brijesh Pathak, National President of the Food Industries Welfare Association Girish Gupta, along with Shashank Dev Singh, Sonu Gupta, Rajat Nagpal, Pankaj Mishra, Meenu Arora, Dr. Yash Vikram, Raju Batra, and other dignitaries.
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*Policy Proposal: Making Uttar Pradesh the “Bakery Capital of India”*
On Thursday, MLA Dr. Rajeshwar Singh submitted a comprehensive policy proposal to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath ji, presenting a roadmap to transform Uttar Pradesh into the Bakery Capital of India. The proposed “Bakery & Processed Food Policy 2025” focuses on job creation, women entrepreneurship, MSME promotion, and global branding of Uttar Pradesh’s food products.
*Key Features of the Proposal:*
Infrastructure Support – Establish Bakery & Food Processing Parks in Lucknow, Kanpur, Noida, and Varanasi.
MSME & Women Entrepreneurship – Soft loans, credit guarantees for startups and MSMEs, and special credit lines for women SHGs.
Skill Development – Bakery skill centers in collaboration with NIFTEM, hotel management institutes, and polytechnic colleges; short-term courses on millet-based bakery, packaging, and e-commerce.
Innovation & R&D – Food-tech incubators in universities and grants for sugar-free, gluten-free, and millet-based products.
Export & Global Branding (with APEDA partnership) – Creation of a state-level Export Facilitation Cell with APEDA; certification, participation in international exhibitions, and export subsidies. International branding of ODOP products like “Lucknow Bakes” and “Agra Cookies”.
Nutrition & Public Health – Inclusion of fortified biscuits and millet-based cookies in mid-day meals and ICDS programs; promotion of AYUSH-based bakery products like turmeric biscuits and tulsi bread.
Ease of Doing Business – Simplified FSSAI compliance, single-window licensing, and cluster-based approvals.
*Vision:*
This policy will enable Uttar Pradesh to: Generate millions of new jobs. Empower rural and women entrepreneurs towards self-reliance. Establish itself as the Bakery Capital of India with strong global recognition. Dr. Rajeshwar Singh said: “Through APEDA’s support, this policy will connect Uttar Pradesh’s bakery and food processing sector with international standards and export potential. It will take the state to new heights and make a significant contribution to the vision of a $1 trillion economy by 2027.”