CEO of ITC ltd, Sanjiv Puri congratulated Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for spearheading the initiative to hold the first ever 'UP Investors Summit'.
"I am sure it will bring in a new dimension of socio-economic development in the state," he said in a written statement issued by ITC in lucknow on Wednesday.
Encouraged by the proactive efforts of the state government, the ITC is progressively enlarging its presence in the state in all three sectors of the economy.
"ITC has implemented significant interventions in the agricultural sector in UP. Through a network of 2000 e-choupals, ITC is today empowering 12,00,000 farmers in the state," he said.
Puri said ITC’s integrated initiatives in UP include over 27,000 Choupal Pradarshan Khets, zero tillage, varietal improvement, crop diversification & value addition, income diversification and creating market linkages have led to increased productivity and enhanced farm incomes.
The ITC boss said the company's agro-forestry model in the state aims to provide food, fodder and wood security and de-risked farmers through alternative sources of remuneration, whilst contributing to carbon sequestration and soil conservation.
"These large-scale programmes which strengthen agri and food value chains in the state are making a meaningful contribution to Prime Minister's Vision of doubling farmers' income," he added.
Further, Puri said that ITC has a large manufacturing footprint in UP which includes a state-of-the-art unit in Saharanpur and 19 co-packaging units which support local entrepreneurship.
"The company has also contributed to Tourism landscape of UP with one super premium luxury hotel in Agra and four other properties across the state. In alignment with the government's 'Make in India' vision, ITC proposes to invest in a world-class integrated consumer goods manufacturing facility in the state. The company is also exploring investment possibilities in green energy and a logistics hub in the years to come," he said.
The ITC has spearheaded integrated social investment programmes in UP in the areas of livestock development, vocational training, empowering poor women, primary education, health and sanitation.
"Contributing to Swachh Bharat Mission, the company has implemented a large scale solid waste management programme in the state, including a partnership with Saharanpur Municipal Corporation, which aims to cover over 7 lakh people," Puri further added.