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The World Bank has approved the Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening (UP-AGREES) Project, a $325.10 million initiative aimed at enhancing farmers’ incomes in Uttar Pradesh through improved crop productivity, adoption of digital and climate-resilient practices, and better market connections. The project also seeks to attract $15 million in private investment to bolster these efforts.

Over the past decade, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a leader in Indian agriculture, ranking first in wheat production, second in rice, and third in agricultural exports. Despite this progress, small-scale farmers continue to face challenges such as low productivity, limited access to modern technology, and inadequate post-harvest infrastructure. The UP-AGREES Project aims to address these barriers, benefiting one million producers, particularly in the Eastern UP and Bundelkhand regions.

Key components of the project include strengthening agricultural value chains, improving access to affordable credit through innovative financial tools like the eKisan Credit Card (eKCC), and enhancing opportunities for value addition. The project will also promote sustainable agricultural practices, such as using low-methane rice varieties, converting rice residue into biogas, and optimizing fertilizer use to reduce agriculture’s environmental footprint.

Auguste Tano Kouame, the World Bank’s Country Director for India, emphasized the project’s focus on climate adaptation. “This initiative will reduce agriculture’s climate impact while boosting productivity. A dedicated center will be established to train government officials and farmers in climate-resilient strategies,” he stated.

The project will also strengthen the digital and financial ecosystem for agriculture, incentivizing private sector participation to offer market-driven solutions. Geographic clusters for key commodities and fisheries will be developed, connecting producers, agribusinesses, and public institutions. Additionally, the project will support the development of an Integrated Agri-Export Hub near Jewar Airport, Greater Noida, to boost global market linkages.

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Special emphasis will be placed on empowering women farmers and entrepreneurs through the adoption of advanced technologies, improved infrastructure, and strengthened local and global market connections. Task team leaders Vinayak Ghatate, Andrew Goodland, and Harsh Jhanjaria highlighted the project’s potential to increase productivity, create jobs, and raise incomes.

Funding will be sourced from diverse stakeholders, including France, Israel, and the Gates Foundation. The $325.10 million loan, provided by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), carries a 33.5-year maturity, including a six-year grace period.

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