CM Yogi Adityanath and World Bank President Launch Major Development Projects in Uttar Pradesh, Emphasize Economic and Technological Transformation
In a significant step towards transforming Uttar Pradesh into an economic and technological powerhouse, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and World Bank President Ajay Banga jointly unveiled two ambitious initiatives — ‘UP AGREES’ (Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening) and ‘AI Pragya’ — during a high-profile event held in Lucknow.
These initiatives are aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, rural entrepreneurship, and digital skill development across the state.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lauded the continued partnership and unwavering support of the World Bank in driving forward Uttar Pradesh’s development agenda.
He acknowledged the institution’s pivotal role in aligning with the state’s aspiration to become a $1 trillion economy, a goal that has been central to the state’s growth strategy over recent years.
“The perception of Uttar Pradesh has undergone a profound shift,” said the Chief Minister. “Today, the world no longer views our state as a challenge to national progress, but as a key driver of India’s economic growth. We are on our way to becoming the country’s foremost growth engine.”
The ‘UP AGREES’ Initiative: Strengthening Agriculture and Rural Enterprises
The UP AGREES project represents a transformative initiative in the agricultural and rural development landscape of Uttar Pradesh. Under this project, the state government will receive a substantial loan of ₹2,737 crore from the World Bank over six years.
In addition, the state government will contribute ₹1,166 crore from its budgetary resources, bringing the total project cost to nearly ₹3,900 crore. The loan, officials confirmed, comes with favorable repayment terms, including a 35-year repayment window and an exceptionally low interest rate of just 1.23%.
According to the government’s official statement, this project is poised to directly benefit a wide spectrum of stakeholders within the rural economy. These include farmers, fishers, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) that are engaged in agriculture-based industries.
CM Adityanath further elaborated that the project will primarily target 28 districts located in the Purvanchal and Bundelkhand regions, areas often marked by underdevelopment and agricultural distress.
He noted that the initiative aims to reach around 10 lakh farmers, with a strong emphasis on inclusive development, ensuring that at least 30% of the beneficiaries are women.
As part of the project’s broad agenda, the government plans to form and integrate 10,000 women producer groups, enhancing the role of women in agriculture and agribusiness.
The initiative will also include international exposure visits for around 500 farmers, enabling them to learn about global best practices in agriculture, modern techniques, and innovative farming technologies. The ultimate goal is to boost productivity, reduce regional disparities, and build resilience among small and marginal farmers in the state.
‘AI Pragya’: Empowering the Youth through Digital Skills
Alongside the agricultural reforms, the state government also launched ‘AI Pragya’, a major digital literacy and upskilling initiative aimed at empowering the youth of Uttar Pradesh. The program seeks to train 1 million (10 lakh) young individuals in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
CM Adityanath stressed that this program is designed not only to enhance employment opportunities for youth but also to help establish a dynamic startup ecosystem in the state.
The certification-based training modules will equip young people with in-demand skills that are aligned with both national and global job markets.
The ‘AI Pragya’ initiative will be executed through the collaborative efforts of multiple state departments, including Education, Health, Agriculture, Rural Development, Revenue, and Secretariat Administration, thereby ensuring its impact spans across various core sectors.
Officials highlighted that this digital transformation would also improve efficiency in governance, public service delivery, education systems, and healthcare infrastructure.
Adding significant strength to the program, the initiative will see collaborations with global technology leaders such as Microsoft, Intel, Amazon, Google, HCL, Wadhwani Foundation, and 1M1B.
These companies are expected to partner with the state to deliver training, mentorship, infrastructure, and technology resources across various districts of Uttar Pradesh.
Remarks by World Bank President Ajay Banga
World Bank President Ajay Banga, who co-launched the two programs, commended the state’s efforts to modernize and uplift both its economy and human capital. Reflecting on his observations, Banga noted that Uttar Pradesh has undergone a remarkable transformation across sectors, especially in infrastructure, economic governance, and industry.
He pointed out the state’s untapped potential in tourism, particularly in the realms of religious tourism, cultural heritage tourism, and eco-tourism. He emphasized that the state’s rich culinary traditions, vibrant local crafts, and diverse cultural assets are gaining increasing recognition on the global stage.
These elements, he said, are not only cultural treasures but also serve as powerful economic engines that can fuel local development and job creation.
Banga also praised Uttar Pradesh’s focus on revitalizing the manufacturing sector, particularly through policies that promote the growth and resilience of MSMEs — a segment crucial to employment and regional economic development.
With the launch of these ambitious initiatives, Uttar Pradesh has signaled its strong commitment to inclusive development, rural revitalization, and digital empowerment.
Through strategic collaborations with international institutions and global tech leaders, the state is poised to make significant strides in becoming a leading force in India’s economic and technological future.
