‘UP To Become Global Food Basket, Agriculture Key To Achieving $1 Trillion Economy Goal By 2029–30’: CM Yogi
**Uttar Pradesh Aims to Become a Global Food Basket with Focus on Agricultural Innovation**
*Varanasi, October 6:* Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to becoming a global food basket, playing a central role in achieving the state’s ambitious target of a $1 trillion economy by 2029–30. He made these remarks while addressing the Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) Conclave held at the International Rice Research Institute’s (IRRI) South Asia Regional Centre in Varanasi.
The Chief Minister highlighted that with timely provision of quality seeds and advanced technology, Uttar Pradesh can potentially triple its current agricultural output. He announced plans to establish Centers of Excellence in partnership with prestigious international institutions such as IRRI and the International Potato Center (CIP), aiming to foster research-driven growth in agriculture.
**Uttar Pradesh’s Agricultural Strength**
Yogi Adityanath shed light on the state’s agricultural prowess, noting that India boasts 170 million hectares of cultivable land, with 60% of it irrigated. Despite Uttar Pradesh covering only 11% of the country’s total land area and housing 17% of the population, it remarkably contributes 21% of India’s total food grain production.
“Uttar Pradesh leads in the cultivation of paddy, wheat, sugarcane, potatoes, pulses, and oilseeds,” he stated, underscoring the state’s vital role in national food security.
**Revolutionizing the Farm Sector**
The Chief Minister credited revolutionary changes in the agricultural sector over the past 11 years to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Initiatives such as Soil Health Cards, crop insurance schemes, PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana, Minimum Support Price (MSP) at 1.5 times the cost of production, and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi have significantly empowered farmers across the state.
**Celebrating Uttar Pradesh’s Rich Agricultural Heritage**
Referring to the state’s rich heritage, Yogi Adityanath mentioned Kala Namak rice, historically offered by Lord Buddha some 3,000 years ago, which is now being promoted globally as Lord Buddha’s Prasad. He also highlighted the 8,000-year-old history of rice cultivation in Uttar Pradesh, supported by ancient inscriptions from Thanjavur and Ramanathapuram that demonstrate India’s advanced agricultural traditions.
Since independence, Uttar Pradesh’s food grain production has surged from 11.77 million tonnes to 60 million tonnes, alongside an expansion of cultivated land from 17 million hectares to 24 million hectares.
**New Initiatives and Technological Advances**
In a significant announcement, the Chief Minister revealed the upcoming establishment of a 250-acre seed park in Lucknow. Named after former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, this facility will focus on producing improved seed varieties tailored to withstand climate change challenges.
He also expressed optimism about the early establishment of an International Potato Center in Agra, further bolstering the state’s agricultural research capabilities.
During the conclave, innovative farming tools such as a battery-operated e-seeder and a precision hill seeder—developed collaboratively by IRRI and Jawaharlal Nehru Veterinary University (JNVV)—were unveiled. Additionally, important publications on direct seeding of rice, zero-tillage wheat, and the Samriddhi Rice Network were released.
**From Research to Farm: A Call to Action**
CM Yogi Adityanath urged scientists to translate research findings “from labs to land,” ensuring that new technologies have a direct and meaningful impact on farmers’ lives.
Currently, Uttar Pradesh cultivates approximately 7 million hectares of rice, 10 million hectares of wheat, and 2.9 million hectares of sugarcane, alongside extensive cultivation of pulses and oilseeds.
**Distinguished Guests at the Event**
State Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, State Minister Ravindra Jaiswal, Dayashankar Mishra Dayalu, Baldev Singh Aulakh, Principal Secretary Agriculture Ravindra Kumar, Director General of Eri Yvonne Pinto, Director General of CIP Dr. Simon Heck, Sri Lankan Agriculture Secretary DB Wickremesinghe, Director of ISARC Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, agricultural scientists, and numerous public representatives were present during the conclave.
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*Uttar Pradesh’s strategic focus on agricultural innovation and its rich legacy positions it strongly to become a global leader in food production in the coming decade.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/uttar-pradesh/up-to-become-global-food-basket-agriculture-key-to-achieving-1-trillion-economy-goal-by-202930-cm-yogi
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