Uttar Pradesh food processing industry will get a major boost as PepsiCo announces a-Rs 814 crore green field project for production of potato chips in Mathura. The unit that would be set-up in Kosi area of the district will begin commercial production by mid-2021.
In addition, PepsiCo will be sourcing potatoes, its raw material, from the local sources thus helping farmers. Once ready, the plant would provide direct as well as indirect employment to around 1,500 people.
UP's Industrial Development Minister, Satish Mahana said that the project was a reflection of CM Yogi Adityanath's pro-industry policies. Such policies, under which the government has implemented business reforms under ease of doing business has made Uttar Pradesh a highly attractive state for investments. As a result, many companies like PepsiCo have shown trust in the Uttar Pradesh government and are optimistic about investing in the state, minister said.
Chairman of PepsiCo India, Ahmed El Sheikh in a statement said that initially, an investment of Rs 500 crore had been planned in this project for which the company has signed an memorandum of understanding with UP government during 2018 Investors' Summit. Later, it was revised to Rs 814 crore.
Alok Tandon, Infrastructure & Industrial Developmental Commissioner said that project began with the arrangement of land at the ground-breaking ceremony in July 2019. Also the government has started a broad exercise of MoU tracking, land allocation & labour related reforms due to which a transparent investment system is being established in Uttar Pradesh, Tandon said.
It is important to mention that since 1990, the company has been producing carbonated soft drinks & non-carbonated beverages in Uttar Pradesh through franchisee. These units are operating in Greater Noida, Sathria-Jaunpur, Kosi, Kanpur Dehat & Hardoi. This is the first time that PepsiCo is setting up a greenfield project in the state.
