Kashi Emerges as Agricultural Export Hub in Eastern UP, Experiences 420% Growth

As Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath prepares to flag off the inaugural consignment of mangoes and green chillies packed at Kashi's Integrated Pack House (IPH) for export to Gulf countries, the latest figures on the export of agricultural and horticultural products reveal that East Uttar Pradesh (UP) has become a significant hub of agricultural exports.

Since its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24, the IPH has played a pivotal role in driving the region's export growth. Varanasi's agricultural exports have surged from 4 metric tonnes in 2020-21 to an impressive 561 metric tonnes in 2022-23, marking a remarkable growth rate of 420%. Similarly, Lucknow, which exported 111.47 metric tonnes in 2020-21, has witnessed a substantial increase, reaching 703.30 metric tonnes in 2022-23, with a growth percentage of 6%.

The Deputy General Manager of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), CB Singh, expressed his excitement for the upcoming flagging-off ceremony at the IPH in the Karkhiyao area. He mentioned that efforts to operationalize the IPH in Varanasi have been intensified since its inauguration by the Prime Minister, with the aim of transforming East UP into a prominent export hub for agricultural and horticultural products.

Singh further explained that with the Chief Minister's flagging off, the IPH Varanasi would send its first consignment of mangoes and green chillies to Gulf markets, including Dubai and Doha. The consignments would be transported via air and sea routes, respectively. Reflecting on the journey towards establishing East UP as an agri-export hub, Singh highlighted that until 2019, there was no export of agricultural cargo from Varanasi airport, and Lucknow airport witnessed negligible export. However, he noted that today, flights departing from both airports are fully loaded with agricultural air cargo.

Singh highlighted the upward trajectory of agri-product exports from international airports in Uttar Pradesh and shared some significant statistics. He mentioned that in 2019-20, Lucknow exported 99 metric tonnes of green vegetables and mangoes, whereas Varanasi had no exports. In the following year, Lucknow's exports increased to 111.47 metric tonnes, while Varanasi managed only four metric tonnes of vegetables. However, in 2021-22, Lucknow's exports rose to 661.50 metric tonnes, and Varanasi exported 157 metric tonnes. The figures for 2022-23 indicate even more substantial growth, with Lucknow's exports reaching 703.30 metric tonnes, and Varanasi experiencing a significant jump to 561 metric tonnes.

According to Singh, the growth percentage of agri exports from Varanasi airport in 2022-23 was an astounding 420% compared to the previous year, while Lucknow airport witnessed a growth rate of 6%. He also highlighted the various measures taken to achieve the goal of developing East UP as an export hub, with Varanasi as its center. Singh mentioned that the establishment of the IPH in Varanasi meets the requirements of international standards, which is a crucial factor in exporting agricultural products to the European Union, Japan, and Korea.

The efforts made by the government and various agencies have significantly contributed to the growth of the agricultural sector and have paved the way for a promising future in agri export from the region.