UP To Generate 2,000 Jobs As ₹1,407 Crore Fisheries Investments Head To Varanasi, Amethi And Barabanki

Uttar Pradesh is set to open a new employment avenue for young job seekers through a large expansion in the fisheries sector, with the state government preparing to roll out projects backed by private investment. Officials say more than 2,000 youths are likely to benefit as 30 companies plan to invest ₹1,407 crore across multiple districts.

The Fisheries Department has started preparatory work to convert proposals into on-ground projects. Authorities believe the initiative could position the state as a major aquaculture hub while strengthening rural industry.

Meen Mahotsav brings major investor interest

A large share of the proposed investments emerged during the Meen Mahotsav held on 27-28 February, where proposals worth about ₹1,200 crore were received. Earlier, the Fisheries Investment Summit conducted on 17-18 December 2025 had secured an additional ₹207 crore in commitments.

Auro Sundaram Foods and Feeds Pvt Ltd has proposed to invest ₹300 crore in Varanasi. Probus Smart Things Pvt Ltd, Godrej Agrovet Ltd and NexGen companies have each planned ₹200 crore projects. Deepak NexGen Feeds Pvt Ltd has also expressed willingness to invest ₹100 crore in Barabanki.

Officials say the combined ₹1,407 crore investment pipeline is expected to create new industrial and supply chain activity linked to fish production.

Processing plants and feed units to create local employment

Industrial infrastructure will form the backbone of the programme. Andhra Pradesh-based NexGen Feeds Pvt Ltd plans to establish a fish processing plant in Uttar Pradesh with an investment of ₹200 crore.

Company director Deepak Srinivas praised the state's industrial environment and said the facility will employ more than 150 youths and is expected to be ready by 2028.

AV Subramanyam of Deepak NexGen Feeds Pvt Ltd said the company will also set up a fish feed plant in Barabanki. The ₹100 crore project, scheduled for completion by 2027, is projected to generate employment for around 300 young people.

Vision 2047 goals and rural economic push

Fisheries Director General Dhanalakshmi said the department aims to provide employment to a large number of youths through these investment proposals. Entrepreneurs attending the state's first Meen Mahotsav have already expressed willingness to invest ₹1,200 crore in Uttar Pradesh.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the government is focusing on expanding fisheries development as part of its long-term economic roadmap aligned with Vision 2047. The event also brought together nearly 5,000 fish farmers, entrepreneurs and scientists on a single platform for the first time.

Officials expect that once the projects move into the execution stage, employment opportunities will begin to materialise across districts including Varanasi, Amethi and Barabanki.