CM Yogi Adityanath Highlights Need for Agricultural Self-Reliance in Uttar Pradesh
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, speaking at the inaugural session of the 6th Uttar Pradesh Agricultural Science Congress in Lucknow on Wednesday, underscored the critical urgency to bolster agricultural self-reliance. He pointed to ongoing global disruptions that have starkly exposed vulnerabilities in food and energy supply chains, making dependence on external sources increasingly perilous.
Addressing Global Uncertainties in Agriculture
In his address, the chief minister detailed how uncertainties in international supply chains, fluctuating fertiliser prices, and the volatile availability of petroleum products have heightened risks for India's agrarian economy. "In such a scenario, an agriculture-based country like India must reinforce its traditional farming systems while integrating them with modern technology," he asserted. Yogi stressed that building a robust local ecosystem encompassing production, processing, and distribution is essential to cushion the impact of global crises while ensuring higher farmer incomes and economic stability.
Roadmap for Agricultural Transformation
Outlining a comprehensive roadmap for the sector, Yogi Adityanath articulated a vision where agriculture evolves "from production to productivity, from productivity to profitability, and ultimately to prosperity." He directly linked farmer welfare to the broader vision of an Atmanirbhar Viksit Bharat, emphasizing that this progression is vital for national development.
Uttar Pradesh's Agricultural Achievements
Highlighting Uttar Pradesh's significant agricultural performance, the chief minister noted that despite having only around 11% of the country's cultivable land, the state supports 16%-17% of India's population and contributes nearly 21% to total foodgrain production. He attributed this success to effective policy interventions, the adoption of scientific practices, and the relentless efforts of farmers. Additionally, Yogi revealed that the state's agricultural growth rate has surged from 8% to approximately 18%, showcasing remarkable progress.
Historical Context and Technological Integration
Reflecting on India's historical economic strength, Yogi Adityanath remarked that the country once commanded a 44%-45% share in the global economy due to its robust agrarian base. "Farmers were not merely producers but also artisans and entrepreneurs involved in processing and manufacturing. Over time, this ecosystem weakened, reducing them to raw material producers," he lamented. To reverse this trend, the chief minister emphasized the pivotal role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, and satellite systems in transforming agriculture. These tools, he explained, can enable real-time crop monitoring, disease detection, precision spraying, and weather-based decision-making, thereby enhancing efficiency and sustainability.
Advocacy for Sustainable Practices and Market Reforms
Yogi also pitched for natural farming as a sustainable long-term solution that reduces input costs while preserving soil health and ecological balance. On market reforms, he highlighted digital agriculture platforms and initiatives like 'One Nation, One Mandi', stating that improved market access and reduced mandi fees are helping farmers secure better prices. Calling for a paradigm shift, he advocated moving beyond the traditional "lab to land" approach to a "land is lab" model, where farmers and scientists collaborate directly in fields to drive innovation and practical solutions.
Reforms and Criticisms of Previous Governments
Referring to specific reforms, Yogi Adityanath mentioned that payment delays in the sugarcane sector have significantly reduced, with 107 of the state's 122 sugar mills now clearing dues within a week. He added that irrigation coverage has expanded to 85%-86% of agricultural land, aided by projects such as the Saryu Canal National Project, which has brought irrigation to nearly 14 lakh hectares. In a veiled attack on previous governments, the chief minister said the agriculture sector before 2017 was marked by inefficiency, weak procurement systems, and delayed payments. He asserted that the current government has ensured procurement at Minimum Support Price and direct payments through Direct Benefit Transfer, thereby restoring farmers' confidence and streamlining operations.
Awards and Recognitions
On the occasion, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath felicitated 15 scientists under the Uttar Pradesh Krishi Vaigyanik Samman Yojana 2025-26, while 30 scientists from the Uttar Pradesh Academy of Agricultural Sciences were also honoured. The Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred on Dr Satya Prakash of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, recognizing his contributions to the field. This event underscored the government's commitment to acknowledging and promoting scientific excellence in agriculture, furthering the goal of a self-reliant and prosperous farming sector in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
