UP Agriculture Minister Conducts Comprehensive Review of Agricultural Schemes in Varanasi
In a significant development for Uttar Pradesh's agricultural sector, State Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi convened a crucial review meeting in Varanasi on Friday. The gathering brought together divisional and district-level officers to meticulously assess the financial progress of all schemes operating under the agriculture department's purview.
Distribution Shortfalls Identified in Key Districts
During the detailed review, concerning gaps in distribution targets emerged. Under the Zaid 2026 initiative, Chandauli district distributed merely 5.2 quintals of hybrid maize against a target of 10 quintals. Similarly, Ghazipur district managed only 1 quintal against a 2-quintal target for the same program. Minister Shahi issued explicit directives to the concerned officers, mandating 100 percent distribution completion without delay.
The review extended to urad and moong seed distribution, where officers received instructions to promptly submit demands to the directorate if additional requirements surfaced. Furthermore, the minister announced plans for on-site inspections in the coming days, specifically targeting farmers who received free urad and moong seeds through mini kits and sugarcane intercropping programs.
Extensive Financial Review Across Multiple Schemes
Minister Shahi conducted a thorough examination of financial progress against allocated funds for numerous flagship agricultural initiatives. The comprehensive list included:
- Agri Junction
- Oilseeds and Oil Palm
- Soil Health Card
- Aatmanirbhar Krishak Samanvit Vikas Yojana
- Natural Farming Scheme
- Gypsum distribution
- Kisan Pathshala Yojana
- In-Situ Scheme
- PKVY (Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana)
- National Food Security Mission
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi
- NEGPA (National Mission on Edible Oils - Oil Palm)
- Accelerated Maize Development Programme
Officers received strict instructions to properly monitor allocated funds and ensure complete expenditure in schemes demonstrating low financial progress. For schemes where budget availability proved insufficient against physical achievements, immediate budget demand submissions were ordered.
Fiscal Year Deadline and Accountability Measures
With the financial year drawing to a close, Minister Shahi emphasized that only limited days remained for completing targets. He urged all officers to work with maximum energy in farmers' best interests. The meeting established clear accountability measures: any remaining liabilities or unutilized budgets against set targets would result in fixed responsibility for concerned officers, with potential salary recoveries implemented.
Farmer Registration Progress and Future Implications
The review revealed mixed progress in farmer registration across districts:
- Varanasi District: 156,103 farmers registered against a total target of 225,797
- Chandauli District: 172,438 registrations against a target of 235,989
- Ghazipur District: 322,527 farmers registered against a substantial target of 473,074
Directions were issued to ensure registration completion, as future agricultural inputs and farmer benefits will be distributed exclusively based on this registry.
Public Outreach and Campaign Initiatives
During the meeting, all officers received directives to continuously publicize subsidies available on seeds and agricultural equipment under district and divisional schemes. The minister specifically emphasized inviting regional elected public representatives to participate in seminars at various administrative levels:
- Nyaya Panchayat level
- Block level
- District level
- Divisional level
Looking ahead, the department plans to launch a Kisan Credit Card (KCC) campaign in April 2026 to maximize farmer coverage. Additionally, verification procedures were ordered for farmers who obtained KCCs during Rabi season but haven't had premiums deducted under Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. If farmers haven't opted out, action against concerned banks will be ensured.
This comprehensive review underscores the Uttar Pradesh government's intensified focus on agricultural scheme implementation as the fiscal year concludes, with Minister Shahi driving accountability and efficiency across multiple districts and programs.
