Agriculture expert from World Bank Andrew Goodland called on Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and held detailed discussions on ‘Agriculture Development and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening Project’.

Giving this information, an official spokesman said in Lucknow on Tuesday that initially an outlay of Rs 3500 crore has been proposed for the project spread across a period of five years. The project, to be operated with the aim of doubling the income of farmers, agro-based industries will be operated through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs).Giving priority to natural farming, the project is being operated by the Department of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Agriculture department of the UP government.

“The proposal has been sent to the World Bank and the project will emphasise on promoting agro-based industries and encouraging farmers to opt for natural farming. Action will be taken to fulfill various objectives in the Agriculture Development and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening Project,” the government spokesman said. The official further said that under this, programs related to agricultural reforms and the agricultural value chain such as ODOP, FPO, nutrition agenda and climate smart agriculture will be promoted. Action to create awareness about the assistance to be provided through government schemes will also be done under the project. Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture, Devesh Chaturvedi and Additional Chief Secretary, MSME and Information, Navneet Sehgal were present on the occasion.