Uttar Pradesh's Path to Economic Leadership | 24 Oct 2024

Why in News?

Recently, the Chief Minister highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s rapid growth towards becoming India’s top economy, driven by infrastructural, industrial, and agricultural advancements.

Key Points

  • GSDP Growth: UP's Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) is expected to surpass Rs. 32 trillion by FY25, up from Rs.26 trillion in FY24.
    • The government's crackdown on crime and land mafias has helped in reclaiming 64,000 hectares of land to create space for businesses.
    • The government highlighted Rs. 40 trillion FDI proposals and 15 million job opportunities.
  • Focus on Traditional Sectors: Support for industries like Moradabad's brass, Firozabad's glass, and Bhadohi's carpets.
  • Ease of Doing Business: UP ranked 2nd in EODB, transitioning from 14th place in 2017.
    • UP’s annual budget increased from Rs. 2 trillion to Rs.7.5 trillion since 2017.
    • Rs.1.5 trillion worth of infrastructure projects are underway.
  • Tourism Boost: Cultural sites like Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Mathura attract millions of tourists.
  • Infrastructure Development: Half of India’s expressways and 21 airports are in UP.
  • Startup Ecosystem: The 'Nivesh Mitra' platform streamlines investment, supporting MSMEs and startups.
  • Agriculture and Rural Growth: NABARD has provided Rs. 1 trillion in funding, and nearly 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) are operational.

Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)

  • FPOs are voluntary organizations controlled by their farmer-members who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions.
  • They are open to all persons able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, racial, political or religious discrimination.
  • FPOs operatives provide education and training for their farmer-members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so that they can contribute effectively to the development of their FPOs.
  • FPOs in Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and some other states have shown encouraging results and have been able to realise higher returns for their produce.
    • For example, tribal women in the Pali district of Rajasthan formed a producer company and they are getting higher prices for custard apples.