Highlighted major transformation in agriculture sector, said, Yogi government has helped farmers more than any government has ever done
Loan waiver of ₹36,000 crore for 86 lakh farmers under the Yogi government
₹3.15 lakh crore paid to sugarcane farmers as dues
Foodgrain production in UP increased from 547 lakh metric tonnes to 737 lakh metric tonnes in last 9 years
Lucknow/Deoria: March 21: Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, while speaking to journalists in Deoria on Saturday, said that Uttar Pradesh has witnessed a major transformation in the agriculture sector during 9 years of Yogi government. He stated that among all governments since the state’s formation, current government has delivered the best performance.
Through wide-ranging reforms, direct benefits to farmers, expansion of irrigation, increased production and technological interventions, UP has emerged as a new agricultural model. Government has not only increased farmers’ income but also empowered them towards self-reliance and a dignified life.
Minister said that Yogi government has completely transformed the image of Uttar Pradesh. Earlier, the state faced issues like crime, corruption, kidnapping, extortion, mafia dominance and lawlessness, which have now been eliminated. Alongside this, government extended strong financial support to farmers. He claimed that farmers received unprecedented assistance compared to previous governments. About 9 years ago, farmers were allegedly driven to distress and even suicide due to lack of basic facilities like fertilizers, electricity and water, along with delayed procurement and payments.
Shahi stated that after coming to power in 2017, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took a major decision to waive ₹36,000 crore in bank loans of 86 lakh farmers. This was implemented transparently to provide financial relief and prevent extreme distress like suicides, while giving farmers a fresh start.
He said, “Government focused on providing quality seeds, adequate fertilizers and expanding irrigation facilities. Old canal systems were repaired and incomplete projects were completed, benefiting over 30 lakh hectares of agricultural land. Additionally, more than 92,000 PM-KUSUM solar pumps have been installed with up to 60% subsidy, enabling uninterrupted irrigation without dependence on electricity”.
Minister added that electricity bills of 16 lakh farmers’ tube wells have been waived and government is bearing ₹3,600 crore in electricity expenses. To improve the condition of sugarcane farmers, pending dues were cleared, with total payments reaching ₹3.15 lakh crore. Sugarcane prices were increased from ₹300 to ₹400 per quintal, boosting farmers’ income and financial stability.
Shahi stated that under ‘PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme’, over 3 crore farmers in UP have been registered and ₹99,500 crore has been directly transferred to their bank accounts. He noted that this amount is comparable to what was earlier paid annually as sugarcane dues under previous governments. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) has ensured transparency and trust.
Under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana’, financial assistance of ₹5,660.33 crore has been provided over 9 years to 67.52 lakh farmers for losses due to natural disasters. In the current Kharif season, ₹532.17 crore has already been distributed to 539,000 farmers, with plans to provide ₹170 crore more to an additional 225,000 farmers by the end of March.
Minister said that foodgrain production has increased from 547 lakh metric tonnes in 2017 to 737 lakh metric tonnes in 2024-25. Uttar Pradesh is now the leading state in foodgrain production in India. It also ranks first in milk production and leads in the production of mango, wheat, paddy and sugarcane.
Shahi highlighted the increasing use of modern agricultural machinery and promotion of drone technology. Initiatives like ‘Drone Didi’ are helping bring advanced techniques to farms. Twenty new Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) have been established. A new agricultural university is being developed in Kushinagar, which will be the fifth state agricultural university.
Additionally, a central agricultural university has also been set up. More KVKs are being established in large districts and Farmer Welfare Centers are being developed in 480 out of 824 development blocks. The center in Baitalpur is an example where farmers can access training, seeds and agricultural inputs.
Minister concluded that Yogi government has transformed UP from ‘BIMARU’ state to a leading producer of foodgrains, sugar and milk. Over the past 9 years, agriculture sector has not only strengthened but has also become a strong pillar of the state’s economy.
