Uttar Pradesh Transfers Rs 11,200 Crore to Paddy Farmers in Kharif Season

To support farmers, the Uttar Pradesh government has transferred a whopping sum of nearly Rs 11,200 crore to paddy farmers in the state. This initiative comes amidst ongoing farm protests across the nation, particularly highlighting the demand for minimum support prices (MSP).

Highlighting the government's commitment to rural prosperity, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to ensure prompt payment to farmers, warning of strict action in case of any delays. Adityanath reiterated his dedication to empowering farmers, citing Uttar Pradesh's significant contribution to the country's overall food grain production despite constituting only 11 per cent of India's total cultivable land.

During the current kharif marketing season of 2023-24, the state government has expedited paddy procurement, ensuring timely payments to farmers. Against the set target of 7 million tonnes (mt) for this season, the state agencies along with the Food Corporation of India (FCI) have successfully procured 5.3 mt of paddy, achieving a commendable 75 per cent of the target.

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The minimum support price (MSP) for paddy stands at Rs 2,183 and Rs 2,203 per quintal for common variety and grade-A paddy, respectively. This fair pricing system aims to provide a stable income to farmers, ensuring their financial well-being.

In addition to the substantial support for paddy farmers, UP sugar mills have also played a vital role in uplifting agricultural communities. These mills have disbursed over Rs 15,000 crore to cane farmers, with more than 60 mt of cane crushed and 6 mt of sugar produced so far.

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The surge in sugarcane cultivation in Uttar Pradesh is remarkable, with the area under cultivation expanding from 2.05 million hectares in 2016-17 to nearly 3 million hectares in 2023-24, representing a significant 45 per cent increase.

Recognizing the importance of leveraging technology in agriculture, UP Sugar Industry and Cane Development Minister Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary has advocated for the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in farming practices. This initiative aims to promote disease-resistant crops and enhance agricultural productivity by utilizing AI to identify optimal plant varieties, forecast weather patterns, and analyze soil data.

The swift disbursement of payments for key cash crops such as wheat, paddy, and sugarcane holds paramount importance for Uttar Pradesh's political economy, particularly with the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls just two months away. These initiatives underscore the government's proactive efforts to support farmers and drive rural development in the state.

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