Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath elucidated the government’s steadfast commitment to agricultural development and farmer welfare during his address to the assembly. He underscored the efficacy of the “double-engine” governance approach, which has augmented irrigation capacity by an additional 23 lakh hectares over the past seven years.
Highlighting the transformative impact of the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, he noted that 2 crore 62 lakh farmers have reaped its benefits, leading to a remarkable surge in the agricultural growth rate from 6.6 per cent in 2016-17 to 18.2 percent now, nearly threefold higher than in previous years.
In the ongoing crushing season, CM Yogi emphasized the government’s proactive stance in enhancing sugarcane prices, raising them from Rs 350 to Rs 370 per quintal across all varieties. Noteworthy advancements in sugarcane cultivation and production were also highlighted, with the cultivation area expanding from 20.54 lakh hectares in 2016-17 to 29.66 lakh hectares in 2023-24, and production escalating from 1,486 lakh tons to 2,492 lakh tons during the same period.
Emphasizing the government’s unwavering support to farmers, CM Yogi elucidated on the significant payments made towards sugarcane prices, totaling Rs 2,33,793 crores directly into farmers’ accounts since assuming office. Furthermore, he underscored the paradigm shift in procurement practices, wherein crops of farmers are being purchased from them directly at MSP. He said that payments totaling approximately Rs 41,301 crores and Rs 74,751.30 crores have been made for wheat and paddy to 47,89,493 and 61,54,251 farmers respectively across the state.
CM Yogi also highlighted the government’s initiatives to promote sustainable farming practices, such as solarizing tube wells for over 50,000 farmers under the PM-KUSUM scheme, and fostering natural and organic farming methods. Additionally, he stressed the development of new irrigation facilities, exemplifying the government’s holistic approach towards ensuring the prosperity of the agricultural sector. CM said that prior to 2017, farmers were left at the mercy of middlemen.
