The Yamuna Expressway Industrial Development Authority (YEIDA) has put forward a proposal to sublease 50 acres of land from Patanjali’s 300 acre food park in Sector 24A for establishing an ‘agri export hub’ near the upcoming Noida International Airport. The initiative is aimed at developing the region into a centre for agricultural exports, offering new growth opportunities to local farmers and agri based businesses while enhancing their access to global markets.
According to the media reports, the proposed export hub will be developed by Innova Food Park, a company based in Kolar, Karnataka, under the ‘agriculture growth and rural enterprise ecosystem strengthening project.’ The project is supported by both the World Bank and the Uttar Pradesh government. Following a detailed review by the World Bank, the state cabinet approved the proposal on July 22, clearing the way for implementation and financial assistance from both the World Bank and the state government.
An official involved with the project said that the upcoming facility will act as an integrated centre for testing, grading, and packaging agricultural and horticultural produce to make it export ready. By offering these services close to the Noida International Airport, the hub is expected to reinforce farm to market linkages and promote agro based industries across western Uttar Pradesh.
Location and Project Specifications
YEIDA’s officer on special duty, Shailendra Bhatia, stated that discussions with Patanjali are currently in progress and a formal response from the company is awaited. The selected site, located a little over 10 kilometres from the airport’s cargo terminal, has been identified as strategically suitable for the export hub.
The proposed facility will also feature a gamma radiation unit for food treatment and sterilisation. As per regulatory norms, such a unit must be positioned at a safe distance from the airport. Bhatia explained that YEIDA did not possess a land parcel of the necessary size and proximity for the project, leading the authority to propose utilising a portion of Patanjali’s existing allotment in Sector 24A.
The land is suitably located and already earmarked for agro processing activities. This makes it an ideal site for the export hub.
He added that Patanjali, under its current project terms, is permitted to sublease up to 20% of its allotted land, a provision that enables the authority’s current proposal.
Incentives and Expected Impact
Once operational, the YEIDA’s agri export hub will serve as a one-stop facility for quality testing, treatment, and packaging of agricultural produce bound for international destinations. Its proximity to the airport’s cargo terminal will facilitate direct exports of fruits, vegetables, grains, and processed food products to regions including West Asia, Europe, Russia, and other global markets.
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The YEIDA’s project is expected to benefit from multiple incentives under the FDI/FCI and Fortune 500 Companies Investment Promotion Policy, 2023. These include a 75% front end land subsidy, full exemption from stamp duty, a 50% capital subsidy released alongside the promoter’s investment, and a two year exemption from electricity duty. Funding for these incentives will be drawn from the state coordination department’s budget.
Patanjali’s Sector 24A Allotment and Project Timeline
In 2017, the Uttar Pradesh government had allotted 430 acres of land in Sector 24 along the Yamuna Expressway to the Patanjali Group for the development of food and herbal parks under the Infrastructure and Industrial Investment Policy, 2012. Out of this, 300 acres were allocated to Patanjali Food and Herbal Park Noida, while 130 acres were assigned to Patanjali Ayurveda.
Lease deeds for both parcels were executed in July 2022, with the original project completion deadline set for November 2023. However, delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic prompted the state government to grant a two year extension in 2023. Patanjali was subsequently permitted to sublease up to 20% of its allotted land to other enterprises.
In January 2024, YEIDA’s board approved an additional two year extension for the sublease period, which was later ratified by an empowered committee headed by the chief secretary.
Towards a New Agro Export Ecosystem
With the Noida International Airport nearing inauguration, the proposed YEIDA’s agri export hub aligns with the broader vision of creating an integrated agro industrial ecosystem in western Uttar Pradesh. Officials expressed optimism that the project will strengthen supply chains, improve export competitiveness, and expand income opportunities for the region’s farmers and entrepreneurs through enhanced access to international markets.
