The Uttar Pradesh government has successfully concluded a massive farmer training initiative this Rabi season, equipping a significant portion of the state's agricultural community with knowledge on modern practices and government support. The program, known as Kisan Pathshala, has become a cornerstone of the state's strategy to enhance farm productivity and rural income.
Record Participation in Kisan Pathshala 8.0
This year's edition, Kisan Pathshala 8.0 Rabi (2025-26), was conducted under the resonant theme 'Kheti Ki Baat Khet Par' (Discuss Farming in the Field). The state's Agriculture Minister, Surya Pratap Shahi, announced that the initiative achieved a remarkable reach, training a total of 20.15 lakh farmers across Uttar Pradesh. The training sessions were strategically organized at the grassroots level to ensure maximum accessibility.
Grassroots Reach and Inclusive Training
The sessions were held in a diverse array of venues, including Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), gram panchayat secretariats, and the fields of progressive farmers. Notably, the program was conducted in 21,000 gram panchayats statewide. The training content was comprehensive, covering:
- Latest government schemes for agriculture and allied sectors.
- Innovations and research from agricultural universities and institutions.
- Practical, modern farming techniques to improve yield and sustainability.
A key highlight of this year's participation was the significant involvement of women farmers. Of the 20.15 lakh participants, 12.62 lakh were male farmers and 7.53 lakh were female farmers, demonstrating the program's inclusive approach.
A Legacy of Empowering Farmers
The Kisan Pathshala program is not a new endeavor. According to data from the state agriculture department, it has been instrumental in building farmer capacity since its inception. From 2017-18 till now, the initiative has provided training to more than 2 crore (20 million) farmers in Uttar Pradesh.
The core objective of this sustained effort remains clear: to educate the farming community about evolving agricultural sciences and market-linked practices with the ultimate goal of doubling farmers' income. By bridging the gap between laboratory research and the actual field, the state government aims to foster a more prosperous, knowledgeable, and resilient agricultural sector.
The consistent scale of the Kisan Pathshala program underscores the state government's commitment to making agricultural development and farmer welfare a top priority, directly impacting the rural economy of India's most populous state.
