Lucknow, Jan 31 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday underscored the historical challenge faced by farmers during previous administrations where fair compensation for their produce was elusive and the haunting specter of farmers’ suicides pervaded parliamentary discussions.
After inaugurating the Kisan Mela organised by the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), the CM highlighted the transformative vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi since 2014.
He elaborated on how the PM set the target of doubling farmers’ income by 2022 and subsequently launched various schemes such as the Soil Health Card, PM Crop Insurance, Agricultural Irrigation, and Kisan Samman Nidhi for steering farmers toward economic upliftment, coupled with a robust integration of scientific research and innovation.
Yogi emphasized the tangible impact of these initiatives, noting that since 2018, farmers’ income has almost doubled. “This positive trend extends beyond UP as farmers across the country are embracing agricultural diversification, aligning with Modi’s visionary approach, consequently doubling their income,” he said.
Highlighting the fertile land and abundant water resources in the state, the Chief Minister outlined the state’s pivotal role in agricultural production, contributing over 22 percent of the country’s food grains despite having 11 percent cultivable land. He pointed towards the presence of 89 agricultural science centers and four state agricultural universities with the establishment of the fifth one underway.
Yogi stressed the government’s proactive role in connecting UP farmers to medicinal farming and horticulture, promoting herbal products. “This diversification has significantly increased farmers’ earnings, becoming a transformative catalyst in improving their lives,” he said.
In a forward-looking approach, he encouraged regular collaboration between CIMAP and various institutions related to agriculture, horticulture and AYUSH within the state. “This will foster a culture of innovation and research, ultimately contributing to the continuous betterment of the agricultural sector in UP,” the CM said.
Yogi also inaugurated an exhibition at the fair and inspected the stalls set up, while interacting with the farmers. Over 4,000 farmers from more than 15 states participated in the fair.
CIMAP will also launch an ‘Aroma Mission App’ for farmers involved in cultivating medicinal plants. This app will act as a bridge between farmers and the industry.
Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, Director General of CSIR Dr N Kalaiselvi and a large number of farmers from different states and districts of the country were present in the program.
