Introduction
Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) is stepping ahead with a big initiative to boost agricultural exports and fortify the economy of western Uttar Pradesh. YEIDA has invited Patanjali Ayurved to sublease 50 acres of its land in Sector 24A, Greater Noida, to establish a state-of-the-art Food Processing and Agro-Export Hub. The new complex will be strategically placed close to Jewar International Airport, enabling farmers and exporters to access global markets sooner and at reduced costs.
Background: How Patanjali Got the Land
The Uttar Pradesh government in 2017 granted 430 acres of land to Patanjali Group for setting up a Food and Herbal Park on a massive scale in the YEIDA area:
- 300 acres were given to Patanjali Food & Herbal Park Noida Pvt Ltd.
- 130 acres were given to Patanjali Ayurved Ltd.
According to the agreement terms, Patanjali is allowed to sublease a maximum of 20% of such land to other industrial players or developers with the approval of YEIDA.
YeIDA has now approached Patanjali for subleasing 50 acres to Innova Food Park, a prominent Karnataka-based company, to build an agri-export hub. The hub will feature facilities for food grading, testing, packaging, and sterilization—essential prerequisites for exporting farm produce overseas.
The Vision: Making Greater Noida an Agri-Export Zone
The Agro-Export Hub, as envisioned, will be situated near Jewar International Airport, merely 10 kilometers from its cargo hub. The site of the airport provides unparalleled logistics benefits with farm products, value-added foods, and horticulture products being easily exported.
This project falls under a larger vision under the UP Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening Project, which has the backing of the Uttar Pradesh government and the World Bank. The state cabinet has already given the proposal the green light, a giant step towards turning Greater Noida and the Yamuna Expressway area into an industrial and export hub.
What the Agro-Export Hub Will Include
The proposed facility will comprise:
- Food quality and testing labs to meet export requirements.
- Fruit, vegetable, and other agro-product packaging and grading facilities.
- A gamma rzadiation facility for sterilization and preservation of perishable products.
- Cold storage and logistics facilities for effective distribution.
This will not only enable local farmers to access international markets but will also promote value addition and employment generation in the area.
Government Support and Investment Incentives
The Uttar Pradesh government is offering a range of investment-friendly incentives to make the project feasible:
- Stamp duty and registration fee waiver.
- Capital subsidy and waiver of electricity duty in the initial years.
- Land subsidy for agri-processing units.
- Infrastructure assistance, such as internal roads, power, and water supply.
These favors are covered under the UP Industrial and Investment Promotion Policy 2023, to bring more investors in the food processing, warehousing, and logistics industries.
How the Project Benefits Farmers and Industry
- Boost to Farmer Revenues: Farmers from neighboring districts such as Mathura, Agra, and Aligarh can supply produce directly for export and processing, with better margins.
- Job Creation: Scores of direct and indirect employment opportunities in packaging, processing, logistics, and quality control.
- Access to Global Markets: With the proximity to Jewar Airport, it will be easier to export to the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.
- Industrial Growth: The project will attract agro-based industries, cold storage investors, and logistics companies, building an ecosystem around food exports.
Challenges Ahead
While the proposal is promising, it depends on Patanjali’s approval for subleasing the land. Environmental clearance for radiation units and logistics infrastructure will also need proper coordination. However, YEIDA’s proactive approach and state-level support make the project’s future bright.
Conclusion
YEIDA’s plan to establish an Agri-Export Hub on Patanjali land in Greater Noida is a big leap towards strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s agri-economy. It is a futuristic move that can link local farmers with global markets, enhance employment opportunities, and make the Jewar area a global food export hub.
With Jewar International Airport just around the corner, projects such as these will transform the Yamuna Expressway belt into one of India’s most vibrant industrial and export corridors.
