06.06.23 Daily [Uttar Pradesh] UPPSC Current Affairs

In an attempt to boost the Food Processing sector in the state, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched Uttar Pradesh Food Processing Policy-2023 under which subsidies and other facilities are being given for setting up food processing industries.

The Uttar Pradesh government is providing additional facilities to encourage investors, including subsidy, interest subvention and transport subsidy. It has been divided into four parts, first is the grant of projects, second is interest subvention, the third is transport grant and the fourth is major incentives.

Under the policy, the Yogi government is giving a grant of 35 per cent of the project cost (on plant, machinery and technical civil work) or a maximum of Rs 5 crore on the establishment of new food processing units.

Similarly, 35 per cent of the project cost of a minimum Investment of Rs 25 crore (five units) or a maximum of Rs 10 crore by the agro-processing group, a grant of 35 per cent of the project cost or a maximum of Rs 5 crore for the development of a priority processing centre at the farm Gate, collection centre, cold storage, dry warehouse, mobile pre-cooling unit, reefer trucks, IQF facility distribution centers, and retail outlets under backward and forward linkage, is being given.

Not only this, a maximum of Rs 5 crore of the project cost is being given for agricultural promotion chain development study, 50 per cent of the project cost or a maximum of Rs 50 lakhs is being given on the construction of decentralised procurement storage and processing unit.

Under major incentives, exemption of 2 per cent fee on the declaration of non-agricultural use, 25 per cent on circle rate on exchange of government land, 50 per cent on change fee on land use conversion, 75 per cent on external development fee, is being given.

Union Minister of , Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal has flagged off the maiden International Cruise Vessel MV Empress, Indias first international cruise vessel from Chennai to Sri Lanka in Chennai. This marks the beginning of the international cruise tourism terminal at Chennai, built at a cost of Rs 17.21 crores, heralding a new age of cruise tourism and maritime trade in the country.

The launch of the MV Empress is a major boost for cruise tourism in India. The country has a long coastline and a rich HISTORY and culture, which make it an attractive destination for cruise passengers. The MV Empress is expected to attract tourists from India and abroad, and to help boost the local economy