Central Food Processing Minister Chirag Paswan recently highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s vast potential in food processing, particularly in Agra, known for its potatoes and petha (a sweet made from ash gourd). His remarks underscore a critical opportunity for farmers, agronomists, and agri-engineers to capitalize on value-added processing—transforming raw produce into high-demand global commodities.
1. The Global Demand for Processed Agri-Products
- India’s food processing sector is projected to reach $535 billion by 2025-26 (MoFPI, 2023).
- Potato processing alone is a $3.5 billion industry globally, with frozen fries and starch driving demand (FAO, 2023).
- Agra produces ~2.5 million tonnes of potatoes annually, yet only 15% are processed—far below Europe’s 60% (UP Horticulture Board, 2024).
2. Petha: From Local Sweet to Global Export
- Agra’s petha has a domestic market of ~₹500 crore, but international demand is rising in the Middle East and Southeast Asia (APEDA, 2023).
- Challenges: Lack of mechanized processing, shelf-life extension tech, and GI-tag branding limit exports.
3. Food Parks & Infrastructure: A Game Changer?
- The proposed Agra Mega Food Park could reduce post-harvest losses (currently 30% for perishables) and attract ₹1,000+ crore in investments (MoFPI estimate).
- Success Model: Punjab’s Ludhiana Food Park increased farmer incomes by 40% through processing linkages (NABARD, 2023).
4. Policy Push & Upcoming Food Expo 2025
- The Food Expo & Conclave 2025 in Agra (June 22–24) will connect farmers with processors, startups, and investors.
- Key Focus: Cold chain development, export certifications, and PPP models for smallholder farmers.
A Call to Action for Agri-Stakeholders
Agra’s farmers and agri-entrepreneurs must leverage:
– Tech adoption (dehydrated potatoes, petha shelf-life solutions).
– Cooperative processing units to aggregate smallholder produce.
– Government schemes (PMKSY, PLI for food processing).
With strategic investments, Agra could mirror Maharashtra’s grape export success—where Nashik farmers now earn ₹2 lakh/acre from value-added products. The time to act is now.
