LUCKNOW, 11 May 2025: In a significant move to bolster agricultural productivity and digital skill development, the Uttar Pradesh government and the World Bank jointly launched two ambitious programmes on Friday—'UP AGREES' and 'AI Pragya'.
Unveiling the initiatives in Lucknow, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and World Bank President Ajay Banga highlighted the transformational potential of these projects aimed at empowering farmers and youth across the state.
The UP AGREES (Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening) project, with a total outlay of INR 3,903 crore, is set to revolutionise agriculture in 28 districts of Purvanchal and Bundelkhand, two of the state’s most underserved regions.
Of the total budget, the World Bank will extend a INR 2,737 crore loan over six years, repayable over 35 years at an interest rate of just 1.23%. The state government will contribute INR 1,166 crore. The programme targets 10 lakh farmers, with 30?male participation, and will benefit farmer producer groups, fishers, and agri-based MSMEs.
“Uttar Pradesh is no longer seen as a laggard but as India’s new growth engine,” CM Adityanath declared. “This initiative will bridge regional disparities and substantially boost agri output.”
The project will also link 10,000 women producer groups and facilitate international exposure visits for 500 farmers, enabling them to learn best practices in agriculture from abroad.
In parallel, the AI Pragya initiative aims to train 10 lakh youth in AI, machine learning, data analytics, and cybersecurity, catalysing digital transformation in sectors like education, health, agriculture, and rural development.
The project will be carried out with support from state departments and global tech leaders like Microsoft, Intel, HCL, Google, Amazon, Wadhwani Foundation, and 1M1B, who will spearhead upskilling programs and certification initiatives.
“AI Pragya will not only unlock job opportunities but also enhance governance and service delivery across Uttar Pradesh,” the Chief Minister said.
World Bank President Ajay Banga praised the state’s multi-sectoral progress and its emerging global appeal. “From tourism and cuisine to local crafts, Uttar Pradesh has immense potential to strengthen its local economy through its rich cultural assets,” he noted.
The twin initiatives mark a major step forward in the state’s vision of becoming a $1 trillion economy, combining agricultural innovation with digital empowerment to reshape the future of rural Uttar Pradesh.
Image credit: intellias.com
