Uttar Pradesh has set its sights on an ambitious economic target, aiming to transform into a $1 trillion economy, with its vast agricultural sector positioned as the primary engine for this growth. This strategic vision was the central theme of a special lecture held in Lucknow on Thursday.
Vision for a Trillion-Dollar Future
The lecture, titled ‘Uttar Pradesh as a One Trillion Dollar Economy – Targeting State GDP’, was organized by the Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Research Chair within the Department of Sociology at Lucknow University. The event brought the state's economic aspirations into sharp focus, highlighting the critical role of its primary sector.
Manoj Kumar Singh, the Chief Executive Officer of the State Transformation Commission, delivered key insights. He emphasized that true development must be tangible to citizens, stating, "Real development is that which people feel in their everyday lives." He expressed strong confidence in the state's latent potential, noting, "Uttar Pradesh has the potential to become the powerhouse of Indian agriculture, but we are yet to fully utilise this potential."
Uttar Pradesh's Agricultural Dominance
Singh presented compelling data to underscore the state's agricultural strength. While agriculture contributes about 25% to India's total output, its footprint in Uttar Pradesh is significantly larger. The sector covers 75% of the state's land, a stark contrast to the national average of 45%. Furthermore, a remarkable 86% of this agricultural land is irrigated, providing a solid foundation for consistent production.
The state's leadership in farm output is undeniable. Uttar Pradesh ranks first in the country in the production of 15 major commodities. Its dominance spans diverse categories, including:
- Wheat
- Mango
- Milk
- Watermelon
- Guava
Pathways to Profitable and Inclusive Growth
To unlock this potential and steer the sector towards making the trillion-dollar goal a reality, Singh outlined crucial strategic pillars. He stressed that agriculture must be made both profitable for farmers and inclusive in its benefits.
The key strategies highlighted include:
- Export-Oriented Strategies: Shifting focus towards global markets to enhance farmers' income.
- Accurate Weather Forecasting: Leveraging technology to mitigate climate risks and aid planning.
- Uniform Pricing Mechanisms: Ensuring fair and stable prices for agricultural produce across markets.
The lecture concluded with a consensus that harnessing the full capacity of agriculture is not just an economic imperative but a necessity for driving widespread, felt development across India's most populous state. The roadmap now involves translating this vision into actionable policies on the ground.
