UP govt, World Bank in talks for Rs 39.03 billion agricultural project

13 Nov 2024 CW Team

The Uttar Pradesh government, along with the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) and the World Bank, engaged in negotiations for the Rs 39.03 billion Uttar Pradesh Agricultural Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening project. Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh represented the state in discussions held in New Delhi.

This six-year initiative aims to boost productivity in agriculture and allied sectors, connecting smallholder farmers with high-value commodity clusters. Singh emphasised the project's role in Uttar Pradesh's goal to reach a trillion-dollar economy by 2030. Key areas of focus include developing high-value crop clusters and a robust fisheries sector, particularly in the eastern and Bundelkhand regions.

The project will introduce a digital agriculture platform to offer farmers real-time insights, aiding in resource optimisation, resilience, and productivity gains. Chief Secretary Singh expressed confidence that UP farmers, with access to national and international best practices, could achieve remarkable growth.

Discussions highlighted core components such as climate-resilient productivity, value-added commodity clusters, and enhancement of digital and financial ecosystems. With Jewar airport expected to open by mid-2025, new export opportunities will further support local agriculture.

World Bank's Country Director for India, Auguste Tano Kouam, affirmed the institution’s commitment to support this transformative project. The World Bank's board of directors is expected to review and potentially approve the project by mid-December 2024. (Business Standard)

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