Latest news with #UP-AGREES
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Cabinet nod to aqua-culture project with help of UAE firm
1 2 Lucknow: The state cabinet on Tuesday approved the policy initiative for setting up an aqua-culture project with the help of UAE's multinational company Aqua-bridge. The cabinet also green signalled an Agri-Export Hub with the help of Kolar (Karnataka) based Innova Food Park near Jewar airport in Gautam Budh Nagar. Both the projects are part of the work plan of UP Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise Eco-system Strengthening (UP-AGREES) project which is being carried out with the help of World Bank in 28 UP districts — 21 in east UP and 7 in Bundelkhand. The cabinet noted that aquaculture-based infrastructure will meet the needs of fish farmers of UP and the state will get opportunities for export of fisheries. The proposed investment of Rs 4,000 crore will establish a world-class training centre and a buy-back system for exporting fishery products to the Middle East and other countries. Likewise, all types of test facilities of products will be available at Agri-Export Hub near Jewar airport and arrangements will be made to export agricultural/industrial products to the Middle East/Europe, Russia and other countries. The twin projects will boost employment rate and income of farmers and fishing community. Accordingly, both the companies will be provided a slew of incentives like 75% subsidy on front and lease rent. The company would be provided 60 acres of land for which 100% subsidy on stamp duty will be given. Also, no electricity charge will be levied for two years. At the same time, 75% subsidy on transportation cost for export from the airport will be provided. The cabinet also approved the provision of capital subsidy to be paid in proportion to the investment made by the promoter (pari-passu). This will be at the rate of 25% of the investment made by the promoter.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Dragon fruit farming catching fancy among Prayagraj region farmers
Prayagraj: With the state govt making continuous efforts to increase income of farmers apart from traditional farming and promoting the production of commercial crops, dragon fruit cultivation has attracted farmers in the Prayagraj region. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Changes in climate and low rainfall have forced farmers towards dragon fruit cultivation as growing traditional crops based on irrigation was turning into a loss-making deal for farmers. A section of progressive farmers have opted for dragon fruit cultivation to increase their income with less water and less cost. Chhote Lal Gautam, a farmer cultivating dragon fruit on around two acres in Sarangapur village of the district, says, "Due to weak monsoons for the last couple of years, there was a constant crisis of irrigation. As a result, the income from traditional crops declined. After acknowledging the facts, I moved to cultivate dragon fruit in my fields and managed to increase my income significantly." The state govt has selected 18 districts across the state under the Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening Project (UP-AGREES), which includes Prayagraj, Kaushambi, and Pratapgarh districts of the Prayagraj division. Farmers in these districts are fast adopting dragon fruit cultivation. Deputy Director (Horticulture) Krishna Mohan Chaudhary says, "Currently, 16 progressive farmers are cultivating dragon fruit in Kaushambi and Prayagraj districts. Prayagraj division has the highest number of farmers cultivating dragon fruits." Dragon fruit farming was first launched by young farmer Ravindra Pandey in 2016 in the Kaushambi district of the division. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Ravindra Pandey says that dragon fruit nurseries are also being prepared and sent from here to other districts of the state, which has increased his income apart from the crop. The fruit is a tropical fruit that got the name dragon fruit because of its bright magenta-coloured spikes. This miraculous fruit, which entered India from Mexico and the US, is called Pitaya in some places and Kamalam in others. Dragon fruit, with a mildly sweet and crunchy taste, has been called a superfood. It is proving to be a boon in the prevention of diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. The state govt is providing financial assistance to farmers through Integrated Horticulture Development Mission to promote dragon fruit farming. Chaudhary, meanwhile, said that farmers are being given a 40% subsidy in form of financial assistance. Apart from this, a state grant of Rs 30,000 per hectare is also being given. Dragon fruit grower CL Gautam says that he received financial assistance of Rs 2.78 lakh per hectare from the govt. This has increased the interest of farmers in dragon fruit farming.
India Gazette
10-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
UP: CM Yogi urges 'Nation First' mindset at CMS, Lucknow
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], May 10 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday attended an event at City Montessori School (CMS) in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, where he stressed on social media-related concerns in the times of escalating tensions in the country, and urged the public to put 'nation first.' The Chief Minister expressed concern about some people trying to weaken the morale of the armed forces through social media. 'Today, a few people post tweets on social media that aim to weaken the morale of our soldiers. Why is this happening? Everyone's goal should be 'Nation First.' When someone works with the spirit of keeping the nation above all, they build a generation that ensures the country's safety and self-reliance,' he said. CM Yogi paid tribute to CMS founder, the late Jagdish Gandhi, and praised that he did not give up. With courage and dedication, they created something meaningful in the field of education,' he said. He highlighted that CMS now has around 65,000 students, which is a 'major achievement.' The Chief Minister also appreciated a cultural performance by students on the theme of 'Adi Yogi.' CM Yogi honored students who secured first rank and thanked the teachers for their contribution to education. 'About 70 years ago, Jagdish Gandhi and Bharti Gandhi came to Lucknow with nothing but their hard work. Thanks to your efforts, CMS has earned a special place across the country,' he said. Earlier on Friday, while speaking in a meeting in Lucknow which was also attended by the President of the World Bank Group Ajay Banga, CM Yogi welcomed Banga and mentioned that the state government is seeking support from the World Bank for the UP-AGREES programme to enhance agricultural productivity in eastern Uttar Pradesh. 'On behalf of the people of Uttar Pradesh, I welcome Ajay Banga, President of the World Bank Group, to Uttar Pradesh. The productivity of agriculture in the western part of Uttar Pradesh is much higher than in the eastern part. To increase productivity in eastern Uttar Pradesh as well, we have sought help from the World Bank in the UP-AGREES (Uttar Pradesh Agricultural Development and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening) program,' CM Yogi stated. CM Yogi added, 'Poshan Abhiyaan is an important mission being run by the World Bank, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, we have taken steps in this direction in Uttar Pradesh. Take-Home Ration (THR) is one of the steps in that direction. The World Bank team will also visit the Take-Home Ration (THR) plant in Lucknow.' (ANI)
The Hindu
10-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
U.P. CM Yogi Adityanath unveils two initiatives with support of World Bank
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday (May 9, 2025) met World Bank President Ajay Banga in Lucknow and launched two initiatives 'UP AGREES' and 'AI Pragya' related to agricultural innovation and digital transformation in the Sate. Expressing gratitude for the World Bank's continuous support, Mr. Adityanath praised the role of the international organisation in helping Uttar Pradesh to move closer to its vision of becoming a $1 trillion economy. 'The entire world sees Uttar Pradesh not as a barrier, but as the growth engine of India. I express my gratitude to the World Bank for its participation in the UP-AGREES project, it will help will farmers in a big way and significantly enhance agricultural output in the state,' said Mr. Adityanath, addressing the meeting at his official residence. The event marked the launch of two programs supported by the World Bank with the UP AGREES initiative pushes for revolutionising agriculture in 28 districts of Bundelkhand and Purvanchal regions, enhancing productivity and promoting advanced, technology-based farming. Similarly, the AI Pragya aims to build a robust Artificial Intelligence (AI) talent base by training 10 lakh youth across Uttar Pradesh, equipping them with the digital skills necessary to thrive in emerging technology sectors. The project will be implemented in districts of Basti, Maharajganj, Ballia, Ghazipur, Varanasi, Chandauli, Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, and Sant Ravidas Nagar, Sant Kabir Nagar, Kushinagar, Shravasti, Bahraich, Balrampur, Gonda, Siddharthnagar, Gorakhpur, Deoria, Azamgarh, Mau, Jaunpur, Banda, Lalitpur, Jalaun, Jhansi, Hamirpur, Mahoba and Chitrakoot. 'AI Pragya will not only unlock new job avenues for youth but also enhance technological efficiency in core sectors such as government services, farming, education, and healthcare,' said Mr. Adityanath.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
World Bank is taking UP closer to $1 trn economy target: Yogi
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 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. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "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 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 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.
