BL Agro to Invest INR 1,660 Cr in Bareilly World-Class Agro Hub
BL Agro, one of India's leading fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries to establish a world-class, export-oriented integrated agro-processing hub in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. This ambitious project represents a significant investment in India's food processing infrastructure and is expected to transform the agricultural value chain in the region.
The proposed agro-processing hub, with an investment commitment of INR 1,660 crores, will be spread across 500 acres of land. The facility will encompass multiple processing units for various agricultural products including grains, pulses, oilseeds, and value-added food products. The hub is designed to be export-oriented, targeting international markets while also serving domestic consumption needs.
"This partnership with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries reflects our commitment to strengthening India's agricultural value chain," stated Mr. Ashok Kumar, Chairman of BL Agro. "The Bareilly hub will not only create employment opportunities but also provide farmers with better market access and fair pricing for their produce."
The integrated hub will include state-of-the-art processing facilities, cold storage infrastructure, quality testing laboratories, and packaging units. It will incorporate modern food processing technologies and automation systems to ensure high-quality output while maintaining food safety standards that meet international requirements.
A key feature of the hub will be its direct farm-to-factory model, establishing direct procurement relationships with farmers in the region. This approach will help eliminate middlemen, ensuring better prices for farmers while maintaining quality control throughout the supply chain. The hub will also provide technical support and training to farmers to improve agricultural practices and crop yields.
The facility is expected to process over 500,000 metric tons of agricultural produce annually, creating direct employment for over 2,000 people and indirect employment for thousands more in associated activities such as transportation, logistics, and support services.
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries has committed to providing necessary support including infrastructure development, regulatory clearances, and facilitation of export-related documentation. This partnership aligns with the government's vision of doubling farmers' income and promoting value addition in the agricultural sector.
Industry experts have lauded this initiative as a significant step towards modernizing India's food processing sector and enhancing the country's export competitiveness in value-added agricultural products. The Bareilly hub is expected to serve as a model for similar integrated agro-processing facilities across India.
The project is expected to be completed in phases over the next three years, with the first phase focusing on grain and pulse processing facilities scheduled to become operational within 18 months.