The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has proposed a plan to sublease 50 acres of land from Patanjali’s 300-acre food park in Sector 24A, Noida, to create an ‘agri export hub’ near the upcoming Noida International Airport. The hub, to be developed by Innova Food Park, aims to transform the area into a thriving center for agricultural exports, benefiting local farmers and businesses by providing access to global markets. The project is part of the ‘agriculture growth and rural enterprise ecosystem strengthening project’, backed by the World Bank and the Uttar Pradesh government.
The export hub will serve as an integrated center for testing, grading, and packaging agricultural and horticultural produce, making it ready for export. The facility will include a gamma radiation unit for food treatment and sterilization, and its proximity to the airport’s cargo terminal will enable direct exports to international destinations. The project has received approval from the state cabinet and is expected to benefit from policy incentives, including a 75% front-end land subsidy, full exemption from stamp duty, and a 50% capital subsidy.
YEIDA’s officer on special duty, Shailendra Bhatia, stated that discussions with Patanjali are ongoing, and the proposed site is well-suited for the project due to its location and existing earmarking for agro-processing activities. The land is already permitted for subleasing up to 20% under Patanjali’s project terms. The agri hub will function as a one-stop facility for quality testing, treatment, and packaging of farm produce, and its operationalization is expected to strengthen farm-to-market linkages and promote agro-based industries in western Uttar Pradesh.
The project has a significant history, dating back to 2017 when the state government allotted 430 acres to Patanjali Group for developing food and herbal parks. The original project completion deadline was set for November 2023, but the Covid pandemic caused delays, prompting the state government to grant a two-year extension in 2023. YEIDA’s board approved another two-year extension for the sublease period in January 2024, which was later endorsed by an empowered committee led by the chief secretary. The proposed agri export hub is expected to be a significant boost to the local economy and agricultural sector, and its development is eagerly awaited.