Varanasi— Addressing the Direct-Seeded Rice (DSR) Conclave at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) South Asia Regional Center, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday outlined ambitious plans to transform Uttar Pradesh into not just India’s, but the world’s agricultural food basket. He emphasized that timely access to modern technology and quality seeds could enable the state to triple its current production levels.
Speaking at the event, CM Yogi said, “Uttar Pradesh aims to become a one-trillion-dollar economy by 2029-30, with agriculture playing the central role. Centers of excellence will be established in collaboration with international institutions like IRRI and CIP to enhance research and productivity.”
Highlighting the spiritual and cultural significance of Varanasi, the Chief Minister invoked the symbolism of Lord Vishwanath and Nandi, stating that their inspiration drives advanced agricultural practices. He emphasized the age-old tradition of “Annam Bahu Kurvit Tad Vratam” (dedication to abundant grain production) as the state’s guiding principle.
CM Yogi underscored India’s natural advantages for farming — fertile soil, irrigation, and abundant sunlight — and noted that Uttar Pradesh alone contributes 21% of the country’s food grain production, leading in crops like paddy, wheat, sugarcane, potatoes, pulses, and oilseeds.
The Chief Minister highlighted revolutionary changes in agriculture over the past 11 years, citing initiatives under PM Narendra Modi such as Soil Health Cards, crop insurance, PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana, MSP at 1.5x cost, and PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi.
Uttar Pradesh’s educational and research infrastructure includes four state, two central, and one private agricultural universities, along with 89 Krishi Vigyan Kendras supporting farmers. Since the opening of IRRI South Asia Center in Varanasi in 2018, research on diverse rice varieties has been ongoing.
CM Yogi also highlighted the revival of historical rice varieties, including Kala Namak rice, introduced by Lord Buddha 3,000 years ago, emphasizing UP’s 8,000-year-old rice cultivation heritage.
He detailed a fivefold increase in food grain production since independence, from 11.77 million tons to 60 million tons, with cultivated area expanding from 17 million hectares to 24 million hectares.
Looking ahead, a 250-acre Seed Park named after former PM Chaudhary Charan Singh will be set up in Lucknow to provide climate-resilient seeds to farmers. The CM also announced plans for an International Potato Center in Agra.
At the conclave, CM Yogi inaugurated battery-operated e-seeders and precision hill seeders, developed by IRRI and JNVV, and released publications on direct-seeded rice, zero-tillage wheat, and the Samriddhi Rice Network.
He emphasized the “Lab-to-Land” model, encouraging scientists to move beyond laboratories and demonstrate research directly on farms, ensuring that innovations reach farmers efficiently. Uttar Pradesh cultivates 70 lakh hectares of paddy, 100 lakh hectares of wheat, and 29 lakh hectares of sugarcane, with ample land for pulses and oilseeds.
The event was attended by Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, Minister of State Ravindra Jaiswal, senior officials including Ravindra Kumar, DG IRRI Yvonne Pinto, DG CIP Dr. Simon Heck, Sri Lanka’s Agriculture Secretary D.B. Vikramasinghe, Director ISARC Dr. Sudhanshu Singh, along with numerous agricultural scientists and representatives.
This conclave underscores Uttar Pradesh’s commitment to modernizing agriculture, increasing productivity, and positioning the state as a global leader in food security.
