Agriculture Emerges as Development Axis in Uttar Pradesh
The Uttar Pradesh government made a significant announcement on Thursday. Officials stated that agriculture has transformed from a simple livelihood activity into the central axis of the state's development strategy.
Farmers Shift to Center Stage
A government spokesperson explained the fundamental shift in perspective. Farmers who previously faced immense challenges with debt burdens, unreliable irrigation, and delayed payments now occupy the core of government priorities.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath established a clear directive. He emphasized that farmers represent the backbone of the state's economy, not merely a political vote bank. This philosophical change drove a series of concrete actions.
Transparent Systems and Key Reforms
The administration initiated several reforms within the agricultural sector. Transparency became the cornerstone of crop procurement at minimum support prices. The government implemented time-bound payment systems, ensuring farmers received fair prices for their produce without unnecessary delays.
Major improvements in irrigation infrastructure played a crucial role. The state focused on:
- Reviving and maintaining traditional canal networks.
- Increasing the number of functional tube wells across farmlands.
- Introducing free and concessional irrigation schemes for farmers.
These measures enhanced production capacity and made countless farmers more self-reliant. Even regions historically prone to drought and water scarcity began to see agricultural revival.
Breaking Free from Past Crises
The spokesperson highlighted the contrast with the pre-2017 era. Under the current leadership, Uttar Pradesh moved away from chronic foodgrain crises, rampant black marketing, and systemic chaos.
Farmers now operate with greater confidence, knowing the government supports them at every step. This partnership has set farmers decisively on a path toward prosperity over the last nine years.
Quantifiable Impact and Growth
The success of this model is evident in hard numbers. Uttar Pradesh possesses only about 10% of India's total agricultural land. Despite this, the state now contributes a substantial 21% to the national foodgrain production.
Growth metrics tell a compelling story. Before 2017, the agricultural sector's growth rate languished in single digits. The last three years under the Yogi Adityanath government tell a different tale. The growth rate for agriculture and its allied sectors has surged, exceeding 14%.
By prioritizing agriculture and ensuring transparent, supportive systems, the face of Uttar Pradesh has undergone a remarkable change within this nine-year period.
