Question.
How does the Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Export Policy 2019 strengthen the agricultural export activities in the State?
(UPPSC Mains General Studies-VI/GS-6 2023 Solutions)
Answer.
About Uttar Pradesh:
Uttar Pradesh is the fourth largest State in India, having 2,40,928 square km of land.
Uttar Pradesh has four ecological zones: Tarai, the Gangetic Plain, Bhabar, and the Vindhya region.
Uttar Pradesh has mainly subtropical climates, however, it is further divided into nine ( 9) agro-climatic zones based on soil, rainfall, and terrain.
Uttar Pradesh contributes about 9.77 % of the total value of India's exports and is ranked 5th after Gujarat, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh. Buffalo meat and processed meat are the largest exporting items of Uttar Pradesh.
Uttar Pradesh's "Agriculture Export Policy-2019" was launched by the government of Uttar Pradesh in line with the National " Agriculture Export Policy -2018".
The following way the Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Export Policy 2019 strengthen the agricultural export activities in the State:
Institutional Framework:
The State-Level Export Monitoring Committee is constituted under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh. Members of the committee include the chief from the Agriculture Department, Agriculture Marketing, Agriculture Foreign Trade Department, Rajya Krishi Utpadan Mandi Parishad, Animal Husbandry Department, Food and Drug Administration, Fisheries, Dairy and Milk Development Department, Horticulture and Food Processing Department, Sugar Industry, etc.
Promotion of Agri-Clusters:
The policy aims to increase exports through cluster-led production and localized value-addition mechanisms. This would be achieved by strengthening infrastructure, quality and regulatory standards and requirements, and value-chain quality assurance systems.
District-wise potential exportable agricultural products have been made.
For example, Potato from Agra, Milk Products from Mathura, and Guava from Prayagraj are some selected agricultural products for export.
Private Investment:
The policy encourages private sector investments to create modern value chains ( cold storage facilities, warehousing, and transportation networks) to integrate with the global market.
In conclusion:
Uttar Pradesh Agri Exports has registered a growth of 5.42% in 2021-22 from the five-year average of 2016 to 2021.
Fish products, dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables, and cereal crops also present an opportunity for Uttar Pradesh to increase its exports.
Agri-Cluster, setting up export promotion centers, promoting private sector investment in building modern value chains, promoting good agricultural practices, and establishing startups in the state are some important objectives of Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Export Policy 2019.
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