Som Group To Invest ₹570 Crore To Set Up Agri-processing Project In UP’s Farrukhabad
Lucknow, February 28 (TNA) Woodpecker Greenagri Nutrients Private Limited, a subsidiary of the renowned Som Group of Companies, will establish a state-of-the-art integrated agri-processing project at the Khimsepur Industrial Area in the Farrukhabad district.
The project, which will be set up with an investment of approximately ₹570 crores, the project will span 40 acres of land. It will mark a significant milestone in the Madhyanchal region of Uttar Pradesh's industrial and economic landscape. The integrated agri-processing plant will host facilities for the production of ethanol, starch, gluten, and distillery products, as well as beverages, carbonated water, and by-products such as cattle feed.
This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable and innovative manufacturing practices, aligning with the broader vision of fostering economic and agricultural development in the region. Abhishek Prakash, Secretary of the Infrastructure and Industrial Development Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and CEO of Invest UP, had a productive meeting with Deepak Arora, CEO, and Satish Bhansali, CFO, of SOM Group today at Lok Bhawan, Lucknow.
Designed to be eco-friendly, the plant will operate as a zero-discharge facility. Moreover, it will contribute significantly to state revenue through VAT as there would be transportation of products at a large scale.
He stated that under the leadership and guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced more than 30 policies to attract investment in various sectors, and Uttar Pradesh consistently ranks in the 'Top Achievers' category in Ease of Doing Business (EODB).
Prakash assured the investors of all possible and timely support under the relevant policy. He stated that the Letter of Comfort (LOC) would be issued to the investor within six weeks. Furthermore, he emphasised that this unit would create job opportunities for the locals, and the company's procurement of raw materials would benefit farmers and contribute to the region's economic development.
The company got the allotment letter today for the land parcel of 40 acres from Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority (UPSIDA). Deepak Arora, CEO of the Som Group of Companies, commended the State government and Invest UP for its prompt resolution of queries, describing it as one of the best investor ecosystems in the country, embodying the true spirit of single-window clearance.
He informed that the plant is expected to commence commercial production within 15 to 18 months after receiving the necessary approvals. He mentioned that the unit would directly employ approximately 350 people, while indirectly creating job opportunities for around 1,000 individuals.
We already have two units in Madhya Pradesh, one in Karnataka, one in Odisha, and one in Chhattisgarh. Additionally, we export around 4 percent of the total production. Furthermore, the company plans to source raw materials such as potatoes, corn, rice, and barley from local farmers, thereby supporting the region's agricultural community.
Reinforcing project’s economic and environmental benefits, Deepak Arora further shared that the unit is expected to process approximately 300–400 tonnes of grains and 600 tonnes of potatoes daily.