Uttar Pradesh's Agricultural Growth Rate Skyrockets to 18% Under Yogi Adityanath's Leadership
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared on Wednesday that Uttar Pradesh has achieved a remarkable agricultural growth rate of 18%, a significant leap from the 8.5% recorded nine years ago. He attributed this impressive surge to his government's unwavering commitment to prioritizing farmers' interests since taking office in 2017.
Addressing Farmers' Concerns and Boosting Prosperity
Speaking at a gathering in Lucknow after releasing the book 'Nav Nirman Ke 9 Varsh,' which marks the completion of nine years of his administration, Adityanath emphasized that the government's very first decision was aimed at benefiting farmers. "UP is now the fastest-growing state in agricultural development in the country," he stated proudly.
The Chief Minister highlighted that farmer suicides have been eradicated in the state, a stark contrast to previous years. He provided detailed financial comparisons to underscore the progress:
- Sugarcane dues paid between 2012 and 2017 totaled Rs 95,000 crore, whereas from 2017 to the present, this amount has soared to Rs 3,16,800 crore.
- The price per quintal for sugarcane has increased from Rs 300 in 2017 to Rs 400 currently.
- Longstanding issues such as deduction (ghatauti) and slip (parchi) problems have been effectively resolved.
Enhanced Procurement and Market Support for Farmers
Adityanath outlined that at government procurement centers, a wide range of crops—including paddy, wheat, mustard, oilseeds, pulses, millets, bajra, and maize—are being purchased at the Minimum Support Price (MSP). The government has also advised farmers that if they secure a better price in the open market, they are free to sell there; otherwise, they can rely on procurement centers for guaranteed MSP.
To further alleviate financial burdens, the government has reduced mandi fees from the previous range of 2.5-3% to just 1% now. Additionally, under the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, approximately Rs 99,000 crore has been directly transferred into the bank accounts of farmers across Uttar Pradesh.
Infrastructure and Energy Initiatives Driving Growth
The Chief Minister noted that farmers in the state are now able to cultivate up to three crops annually, thanks to enhanced agricultural practices and support. Additional irrigation facilities have been created over 5.6 million hectares, significantly boosting crop yields and sustainability.
In a groundbreaking move, the government is providing free electricity for private tube wells for the first time. Currently, 2.3 million tube wells operate on diesel, but the state plans to liberate farmers from this dependency by installing solar panels. Budgetary provisions have already been allocated for this initiative, ensuring a consistent push towards farmer prosperity.
Political Contrast and Future Commitments
Adityanath drew a sharp contrast with previous administrations, asserting that Congress and SP-BSP governments had pushed farmers into debt, while the current double-engine government has freed them from financial burdens and restored their role as productive contributors to the economy.
He reaffirmed the state government's dedication to taking consistent steps towards ensuring the ongoing prosperity and well-being of farmers, solidifying Uttar Pradesh's position as a leader in agricultural development.
