Q.1. How does the Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Export Policy – 2019 strengthen the agricultural export activities in the State?

The Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Export Policy – 2019 aims to strengthen the agricultural export activities in the state through several key initiatives:

• Farmer Cluster Development: The policy provides incentives for the development of farmer clusters based on the area, ranging from 50 hectares to more than 350 hectares. These clusters are eligible for financial incentives upon completion of cluster construction, registration, and meeting export obligations.
• Ecosystem Support: It includes-
  • transport subsidies for the export of agricultural produce and processed products
  • exemption from mandi fee and development cess on specified agricultural produce, and
  • incentives for conducting courses in agriculture exports, post-harvest management, and technology.
• Promotion of International Acceptability: The policy aims to establish a traceability system for exportable produce to promote international acceptability and to set up Export Facilitation Centers.
• Information Dissemination and Capacity Building: Efforts to disseminate information and build capacity include organizing international buyer-seller meets, market intelligence, innovation, and research, and implementing good agricultural practices.
• Investment Promotion: Encouraging business, start-ups, and investment promotion to transform Uttar Pradesh into a preferred investment destination for agriculture exports.
• Financial Targets: The policy sets a goal to increase agricultural exports to Rs 17,591 crore by 2024and aims to double the income of farmers.

These measures are designed to create a supportive environment for agricultural exports, thereby increasing the income of farmers and making Uttar Pradesh a destination for agricultural exports. The policy has been amended in 2021 to further support these goals.