BL Agro has signed an agreement with the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI), Government of India, to set up a large-scale agro-processing facility in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh. The planned investment totals ₹1,660 crore (approximately USD 200 million) over five years.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Ashish Khandelwal, Managing Director of BL Agro Group, and Preet Pal Singh, Joint Secretary, MoFPI, in the presence of AP Das Joshi, Secretary, and Shyam Singh Negi, Senior Economic Advisor at the Ministry. The new facility will be designed to handle large-scale processing, packaging, and storage of agricultural produce, with the dual goal of strengthening India’s food supply and expanding export capabilities. It will serve as an integrated hub to streamline production and improve efficiency across the value chain.
Key features of the project include a fully automated rice milling unit for premium basmati rice, and a 500-ton-per-day edible oil extraction and refining plant operating under the Bail Kolhu and Nourish brands. The facility will also house modern packaging lines, dedicated sugar storage and sourcing infrastructure, and a grain storage capacity of up to 40,000 metric tonnes to ensure steady supply and long-term preservation.
Construction is set to begin within six months, with the first phase scheduled for completion in 2027. The project is expected to create over 3,500 direct and indirect jobs, contributing to employment and economic growth in the region.
Ashish Khandelwal stated, “This agreement reflects our long-term plans to expand agricultural processing capacity in India. Our focus will be on building efficient infrastructure that supports farmers, encourages exports, and strengthens the overall supply chain. We will also apply sustainable practices, such as converting by-products for use in cattle feed and using renewable energy systems within the facility.”
Speaking about the partnership, Preet Pal Singh said, “The Government is committed to supporting private sector investment in food processing. This project aligns with our goals of strengthening agricultural value chains, increasing farmer participation, and improving India’s standing in global agricultural trade.”
The Ministry will assist in obtaining required clearances and approvals to ensure timely execution. The facility is part of a broader effort to upgrade agro-industrial infrastructure and support rural development. BL Agro Group operates across food processing, agri-technology, environmental science, and agricultural genetics. Its flagship firm, BL Agro Industries Ltd, began as a mustard trading business and has grown into a major FMCG brand in India, with well-known products under the Bail Kolhu and Nourish labels.
The BL Agro Group also includes several specialized companies that support different areas of the agricultural ecosystem. Leads Connect works in the field of data analytics and agricultural risk management, helping farmers and stakeholders make informed decisions through data-driven insights. It focuses on building reliable systems for monitoring crop health, weather patterns, and other critical factors that affect agricultural productivity.
Leads NexTech provides advanced technology solutions aimed at addressing both environmental and agricultural challenges, including tools for sustainability and precision farming. Leads Agri Genetics, on the other hand, is involved in scientific research related to crop improvement and livestock genetics, working to enhance yield, resilience, and overall agricultural efficiency through innovation in agri-biotech. The group aims to improve the agricultural economy through practical innovation and long-term support for farming communities.
