Lucknow — Government-led awareness initiatives have significantly accelerated agricultural growth in Uttar Pradesh, ensuring higher productivity across Rabi, Kharif, and Zaid cropping seasons. Farmers, adopting improved crop varieties, scientific methods, and efficient use of agricultural inputs, are now achieving record yields despite diverse climatic conditions.
Contribution to GDP Growth
Agriculture’s share in GDP has risen notably — from 8.8% growth in 2016–17 to 15.7% in 2024–25, a leap attributed to farmer-centric schemes and consistent awareness campaigns by the government.
In 2024–25, food grain production in Uttar Pradesh reached 737.20 lakh metric tonnes across 161 lakh hectares, contributing 20.89% to the national output.
Expansion in Crop Coverage and Production
- Crop Coverage (Kharif): Expanded from 91.45 lakh hectares in 2016–17 to 105.93 lakh hectares in 2024–25, an increase of 14.48 lakh hectares.
- Rice: Production rose from 144.70 lakh MT (2016–17) to 212.25 lakh MT (2024–25).
- Wheat: Increased from 349.71 lakh MT to 414.39 lakh MT.
- Pulses: Improved from 23.90 lakh MT to 36.30 lakh MT.
- Oilseeds: Surged from 12.40 lakh MT to 30.80 lakh MT.
- Maize: Expanded from 3.06 lakh hectares (2016–17) to 5.42 lakh hectares (2024–25), with production reaching 11.87 lakh MT.
- Cropping Intensity: Grew from 163% in 2016–17 to 182% in 2024–25, a rise of 19 percentage points.
Government’s Farmer-Centric Awareness Initiatives
- Vikasit Krishi Sankalp Yatra: Held across 14,170 villages, benefitting 23.30 lakh farmers, guided by scientists from ICAR, agricultural universities, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras.
- Kisan Pathshala: Conducted in 76,000 villages, training 1.71 crore farmers in modern agricultural technologies.
- Maize Development Program: Promoted maize as a multi-purpose crop (food, fodder, industrial/ethanol use), with 6,510 gram panchayat-level meetings, 825 block-level sessions, and 75 district-level workshops.
- Field Visits by Scientists: Agricultural experts regularly visited fields to resolve farmers’ technical issues, leading to improved practices and higher yields.
Uttar Pradesh’s Leading Position in Indian Agriculture
Thanks to these sustained efforts, Uttar Pradesh now ranks:
- 1st in Wheat, Rice, Sugarcane, and Potato production
- 2nd in Bajra, Masoor, and Mustard/Rapeseed
- 3rd in Pulses overall
Commitment to Farmers’ Welfare
The government reaffirmed that agriculture and farmers remain its top priority, with continuous focus on awareness, scientific training, and modern practices to ensure food security and rural prosperity.
