Uttar Pradesh Partners with World Bank to Launch UP AGREES & AI Pragya Initiatives

On May 9, 2025, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, in the presence of World Bank President Ajay Banga, launched two transformative initiatives — UP AGREES and AI Pragya — aimed at revolutionizing agriculture and promoting digital skill development across the state. These World Bank-supported schemes target the twin goals of enhancing rural productivity and preparing the youth for a digital future, contributing to UP’s vision of becoming a $1 trillion economy.

Why in News?

The launch of UP AGREES and AI Pragya in collaboration with the World Bank marks a significant milestone in Uttar Pradesh’s push for agricultural and digital transformation. These schemes aim to boost farm productivity and train 10 lakh youth in Artificial Intelligence, aligning with the state’s long-term economic and employment goals.

Key Details

• UP AGREES (Uttar Pradesh Accelerated Growth through Resilient, Equitable and Sustainable Agriculture)
• Focus: Agricultural innovation in 28 districts across Bundelkhand and Purvanchal

Goals

• Promote technology-driven farming
• Improve agricultural productivity
• Empower farmers with climate-resilient practices

AI Pragya

• Objective: Train 10 lakh youth in AI and digital technologies
• Focus Areas: Government services, education, healthcare, and agriculture
• Goal: Build a robust AI talent base across UP

Implementation Regions

The projects will cover districts including,

• Basti, Maharajganj, Ballia, Ghazipur, Varanasi, Chandauli, Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Sant Ravidas Nagar, Kushinagar, Siddharthnagar, Gorakhpur, Jhansi, Banda, Chitrakoot, etc.

Significance

• Aligns with India’s Digital India and Skilling India missions
• Tackles rural development, unemployment, and technological lag
• Advances UP’s goal of becoming a $1 trillion economy
• Highlights the role of international partnerships in regional development