Lucknow, Dec. 31 -- Uttar Pradesh will soon have a separate directorate of food processing after the state government approved the creation of an independent administrative structure for the sector, according to a government order issued last week. The objective of setting up a separate directorate, according to the government order, is to give focused attention to activities related to food preservation, value addition and post-harvest management of agricultural produce in the state. Till now, food processing-related work was being handled under the horticulture department with a directorate under it. With the creation of a standalone directorate, the government expects better planning, monitoring and implementation of schemes linked to preservation and processing of farm produce.The government order noted that Uttar Pradesh produces large quantities of fruits, vegetables, pulses and other agricultural commodities, and dedicated institutional support is required to reduce wastage and promote value addition....