Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Emphasizes Agricultural Transformation at Regional Conference
Focus on Agricultural Innovation and Implementation
On Friday, Uttar Pradesh's Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath participated in a regional agricultural conference alongside Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The event highlighted the importance of technology, institutional reforms, and grassroots participation in revolutionizing the agricultural sector. The Chief Minister emphasized that the focus should now shift from merely formulating policies to their effective implementation. He noted that India has diverse agricultural climates, and organizing seminars and workshops in these varied regions could yield significant results. The transition from laboratory research to practical applications in the fields has been successfully achieved.
Need for Decisive Leadership in Agriculture
He stressed that India possesses ample resources, but decisive leadership is essential to drive initiatives forward. When the central government leads such efforts, state governments tend to follow suit. It is crucial to provide opportunities for farmers, who are ready and capable of delivering results. Reflecting on the status of Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in 2017, he recalled that there were only 69 centers at that time, many of which were on the verge of closure.
Positive Developments in Agricultural Science Centers
The Chief Minister shared that his previous experiences with agricultural science centers were not very positive. However, he noted that today, every KVK in Uttar Pradesh has achieved significant milestones. Currently, scientists are engaging directly with farmers. He highlighted that the agricultural growth rate in Uttar Pradesh has surged from 8% to 18%. Since independence, the contribution of agriculture to the economy has been steadily declining, but technology can play a pivotal role in reversing this trend.
Increased Crop Production and Farmer Success Stories
Yogi Adityanath further revealed that rice production has reached 100 quintals per hectare, with the government's aim to increase output while reducing costs. He cited the example of farmer Ram Sharan Verma, who, despite only completing the 10th grade, has become a source of knowledge for those eager to excel in farming. The Chief Minister also mentioned that areas that previously produced only one crop annually are now capable of yielding up to three crops each year. He acknowledged that farmers previously lacked sufficient contacts for guidance and information.