Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister and Lucknow’s district in-charge, Suresh Kumar Khanna, emphasized the importance of the primary sector in making the state a $1 trillion economy. Reviewing various schemes at the Collectorate auditorium on Wednesday, he directed officials to ensure that people’s representatives are actively involved in the execution of welfare programs.
Khanna instructed that beneficiary-oriented schemes, particularly distribution of agricultural equipment, must be carried out in the presence of local MLAs. Departments were asked to brief representatives about schemes and guide citizens on application processes. Highlighting agriculture as a priority, he noted that initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, and the Pradhan Mantri Kusum Yojana are vital for farmers.
Data shared in the review showed that by March 2025, 1.95 lakh farmers in Lucknow had received PM-Kisan benefits, rising to 2.15 lakh by April 2025. Under the PM Fasal Bima Yojana, more than 2.15 lakh farmers have been insured, while 358 solar pumps have been installed under the Kusum Yojana till August 2025.
The district, spread over 2,528 sq. km with a GDP of Rs 1.41 lakh crore and a growth rate of 14.4%, is emerging as an economic hub. With over 1.36 lakh farmers and 2.52 lakh hectares of cultivable land, wheat and paddy remain the dominant crops.
Livestock and fisheries were also flagged as growth drivers. Lucknow currently houses 14 cow shelters and 78 temporary gaushalas, providing refuge to more than 32,000 cattle. Khanna said schemes like *Matsya Sampada Yojana* can significantly boost farmers’ incomes and the state’s GSDP.
Reviewing secondary and tertiary sectors, he highlighted the upcoming Defence Corridor, expressways, logistic hubs, and medical city projects, expected to create over 70,000 jobs in the next five years. The district also has 1,132 MoUs worth Rs 3.38 lakh crore, with 163 already implemented.
The meeting also addressed local issues. Representatives flagged illegal encroachments under flyovers, a non-functional X-ray machine at CHC Faizullaganj, and faulty tube wells in rural areas. Khanna issued strict directives to concerned officials for immediate resolution, including halting the salary of the CHC superintendent until the X-ray machine was repaired.
On education, the minister expressed concern over cleanliness in municipal primary schools, instructing the municipal corporation to ensure adequate sanitation. Officials confirmed that one sanitation worker has been deployed per ward to address the problem.
Khanna reiterated that coordinated efforts in agriculture, livestock, industry, and social welfare are crucial for strengthening Lucknow’s economy and uplifting the standard of living of its citizens.
