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World Bank is taking UP closer to $1 trn economy target: Yogi

World Bank is taking UP closer to $1 trn economy target: Yogi

Time of India09-05-2025
Lucknow: Acknowledging the contribution of the World Bank to several development projects in UP, Chief Minister Yogi on Friday said the organisation played a significant role in the state's progress, whether in environmental conservation, promoting tourism, or managing infrastructure projects.Expressing gratitude for the World Bank's consistent support, CM Yogi hailed its role in enabling Uttar Pradesh to move closer to its vision of becoming a $1 trillion economy.
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"The world now sees Uttar Pradesh not as a barrier, but as the growth engine of India," he said. Yogi and World Bank president Ajay Banga on Friday jointly launched two initiatives in Lucknow — 'UP-AGREES' and '
' — with an aim to transform Uttar Pradesh into a more advanced state and realise its dream of becoming a USD 1 trillion economy.Today marks a significant milestone," the CM said, adding that UP is stepping into a new era of innovation in agriculture and artificial intelligence.
The UP-AGREES programme aims at promoting technology-driven farming in Purvanchal and Bundelkhand while AI Pragya strives to establish UP as a hub for artificial intelligence.
Both projects aim to reach 10 lakh beneficiaries each.Elaborating on the UP-AGREES project, the CM said it was a Rs 4,000 crore initiative, with the World Bank providing a loan of Rs 2,737 crore for six years. The loan repayment period is 35 years, at an interest rate of 1.23%. The project is aimed at directly benefiting farmers, farmer organisations, fishery operators and MSME units in the agricultural sector. The project will directly benefit 1 million farmers, with women holding a 30% stake. Additionally, 10,000 women producer groups will be integrated into the project. Furthermore, 500 farmers will be sent abroad to learn the best agricultural techniques.A govt spokesperson said the project would benefit farmers in 21 districts of east UPas well as districts in Bundelkhand . During the event, Yogi also announced the launch of a new mission to provide nutritious food to children. The CM Nutrition Mission will target children aged between six months and six years, with NGOs playing a crucial role. He said a similar initiative operates in Indonesia, and a special team from UP would visit Indonesia for a study of various aspects of the programme.
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