From Farm Gate to Global Plate: UP and Japan Explore New Food Processing Opportunities
Uttar Pradesh and Japan are exploring new avenues for cooperation in food processing, agricultural value addition, technology, supply-chain development and access to global markets. The discussions were held during the Japan–India Business Networking Event at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, Lucknow, in partnership with Yamanashi Prefecture.
The session, titled “From Farm Gate to Global Plate: Unlocking UP’s Food Processing Revolution – Leveraging State’s Agricultural Strength for Global Food Markets,” focused on leveraging Uttar Pradesh’s large agricultural base through modern processing technologies, efficient logistics and stronger international market linkages.
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya highlighted the state’s potential to emerge as a global food-processing hub, supported by its agricultural resources, skilled workforce, industrial ecosystem and investor-friendly policies. He invited Japanese companies to invest in Uttar Pradesh and contribute technology and expertise to enhance agricultural value addition and strengthen supply chains.
Japan’s Ambassador to India Ono Keiichi emphasised the scope for long-term cooperation between Japan and Uttar Pradesh in food processing, technology and human-resource development. He stressed the importance of practical partnerships that connect investment, skills and technology with local economic opportunities.
Industry representatives discussed opportunities in localisation, manufacturing, technology transfer, supply-chain efficiency and market expansion. Harry Hakuei Kosato, Director, Kikkoman India, highlighted the importance of understanding Indian consumer preferences and noted the growing acceptance of Japanese and Pan-Asian food products in India.
The engagement underlines Uttar Pradesh’s efforts to integrate its agricultural strength with modern food-processing capabilities and global supply chains. Enhanced Japan–UP cooperation in this sector could support investment, employment generation, rural economic development and the creation of globally competitive food businesses.
The initiative reflects a broader policy objective of moving from primary agricultural production towards higher-value processing, strengthening farmer-linked value chains and positioning Uttar Pradesh as an important destination for international food-processing investment.
