Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh has set a target of sowing various crops across nearly 14 million hectares during the upcoming Rabi season, Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi said while addressing the two-day National Agriculture Conference organised under Rabi Abhiyan-2026 at the National Agricultural Science Complex (NSC), Pusa, New Delhi.
Of the targeted area, around 10 million hectares will be brought under wheat, while pulses will cover nearly two million hectares and oilseeds more than two million hectares. Shahi said the state was making focused efforts towards crop diversification, improving productivity and increasing farmers’ incomes. Uttar Pradesh, he added, has made significant progress in bringing the productivity of major crops closer to national averages.
The minister thanked the Union government for permitting procurement of 4.70 lakh metric tonnes of tur, arhar and moong. He also requested restoration of the earlier target of 98,137 quintals for distribution of certified Rabi seeds. He said any reduction in seed production targets for gram, peas and lentils could adversely affect the Uttar Pradesh Seed Corporation and the state’s Rabi cultivation.
Shahi said the state government was working in mission mode to expand pulse and oilseed production, with the Agriculture Advancement Scheme and Dhan-Dhanya Scheme being implemented in 12 districts.
Highlighting crop losses caused by recent excessive rainfall in 26 districts, Shahi sought financial assistance for affected farmers under disaster relief provisions. He said surveys were being conducted by the Agriculture Department and insurance companies following reports of crop damage involving around five lakh farmers to facilitate speedy settlement of claims under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana.
He also stressed integration of digital applications, balanced fertiliser use, timely supplies and practical arrangements for loading, unloading and retailer commissions. Shahi assured that the Uttar Pradesh government would work in close coordination with the Centre to boost Rabi production.
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Ministers of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Ram Nath Thakur and Bhagirath Choudhary, agriculture ministers from several states and senior officials of the Union government attended the conference.
