Lucknow/Deoria (UP), March 21 Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi said on Saturday that the state has experienced a significant transformation in the agricultural sector during the nine years of the Yogi Adityanath government, driven by wide-ranging reforms.
Shahi said that through these reforms, direct benefits to farmers, expansion of irrigation, increased production, and technological interventions, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a new agricultural model.
The government has not only increased farmers' income but also empowered them towards self-reliance and a dignified life, he said.
Speaking to reporters in Deoria, Shahi said that earlier, the state faced issues like crime, corruption, kidnapping, extortion, and mafia dominance, which have now been eliminated. Alongside this, the government extended strong financial support to farmers.
"About nine years ago, farmers were allegedly driven to distress and even suicide due to a lack of basic facilities like fertilizers, electricity, and water, along with delayed procurement and payments," Shahi said.
"After coming to power in 2017, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took a major decision to waive Rs 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," Shahi said.
He said that the 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.
The minister added that electricity bills of 16 lakh farmers' tube wells have been waived, and the government is bearing Rs 3,600 crore in electricity expenses.
To improve the condition of sugarcane farmers, pending dues were cleared, with total payments reaching Rs 3.15 lakh crore. Sugarcane prices were increased from Rs 300 to Rs 400 per quintal, boosting farmers' income and financial stability.
The 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 said.
He said the Yogi Adityanath government has transformed UP from a 'BIMARU' state to a leading producer of foodgrains, sugar, and milk.