The centre has accused the Mayawati Government in Uttar Pradesh for not allowing investment for setting up agro and food processing units in private sector.<br/><br/>The Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Mr. Subodh Kant Sahay said in Lucknow that Mandi Parishad Act in the state is restricting private investment. <br/><br/>He said that this Act should be amended with investor-friendly policies. <br/><br/>Mr. Sahay said that for the last six years, there has not been a proper proposal from the state for setting up food processing units in private sector in the state. <br/><br/>Mr. Sahay said that in Uttar Pradesh, the agriculture produce is governed by Uttar Pradesh Krishi Utpadan Mandi Act 1964 and this Act does not allow direct sale or purchase from the farmer’s field by private players. <br/><br/>He lamented that there is also no provision for any kind of institutional support for contract farming. <br/><br/>He also blamed the poor post-harvest management in the state for lack of investment. <br/><br/>He said that farmers have to sell their produce in haste, as there is no proper supply chain or cold chain. <br/>