Parliament Question: Plans to address lack of post-harvest infrastructure in Eastern Uttar Pradesh

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1679 ANSWERED ON 13TH FEBRUARY, 2026 PLANS TO ADDRESS LACK OF POST-HARVEST INFRASTRUCTURE IN EASTERN UTTAR PRADESH 1679. SHRI NEERAJ SHEKHAR: Will the Minister of FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES be pleased to state: (a) whether Government has any specific plan to address the lack of food processing units, cold storage and transportation facilities, in eastern Uttar Pradesh, especially for perishable goods; (b) if so, the details thereof; (c) the details of expected timelines for these improvements; and (d) the efforts taken by Ministry for collaborating with other Ministries such as Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Ministry of Railways to enhance logistical infrastructure for timely transportation of agricultural products? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOOD PROCESSING INDUSTRIES (SHRI RAVNEET SINGH) (a) to (d): : In order to address and promote the development of food processing sector including perishable food products, Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) has been incentivizing setting up/expansion of related infrastructure through its two Central Sector Schemes namely Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) and Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI) and a Centrally sponsored PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme across the country including eastern Uttar Pradesh. Under PMKSY, financial assistance is provided to entrepreneurs for setting up of food processing industries. The scheme is operational for a period upto 2025-26 with total outlay of Rs 6520 Crore for 15th Finance Commission Cycle. As on 31.12.2025, MoFPI has approved 72 food processing projects under the scheme in Uttar Pradesh. PLISFPI is, inter alia, intended to support creation of global food manufacturing champions and support Indian brands of food products in international market. The Scheme is operational for a period from 2021-22 to 2026-27 with an outlay of Rs. 10,900 crores. As on 31.12.2025, MoFPI has approved proposals at 26 locations under the scheme in Uttar Pradesh. Under PMFME scheme, financial, technical and business support is provided for setting up / upgradation of micro food processing enterprises. The scheme is operational for a periodof upto 2025-26 with an outlay of Rs.10,000 Crore. As on 31.12.2025, 22060 micro food processing enterprises have been approved for assistance under the scheme in Uttar Pradesh. MoFPI provides financial assistance to eligible entrepreneurs for establishing food processing industry with farm level infrastructure like primary processing facilities, collection centers, reefer van etc, through its three schemes as per related scheme guidelines. These schemes aim towards creation of modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet which includes storage, transportation, value addition etc., thereby enhancing productivity, reducing wastage of agricultural produce and increasing the processing level. Road and rail connectivity improves access from farms and collection centres to processing units and markets thus lower the risk of spoilage for perishables and enhance distribution efficiency. *****