Yogi Government's Agricultural Reforms Lead to Growth in Fruit and Vegetable Cultivation in UP

In recent years, the cultivation of fruits and vegetables in Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a promising field with vast potential for farmers, according to the Agroforestry Report of 2023. The state government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has actively encouraged farmers to diversify their crops to meet market demands and enhance their income.

Several factors have contributed to the rise of fruit and vegetable cultivation, including the production of high-quality plants at Centers of Excellence and Mini Centers of Excellence, the promotion of protected cultivation with controlled temperature and humidity, and the modernization of markets (Mandis).

The report highlights a significant increase in Uttar Pradesh's share of fruit and vegetable cultivation within the country, rising from 7.2 percent to 9.2 percent in a decade. This surge has resulted in a substantial boost in Gross Value Output (GVO), with figures soaring from Rs 20,600 crore to Rs 38,000 crore.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has long recognized the immense potential of fruit and vegetable cultivation, both for domestic and international markets, as well as for the growth of processing units. Since assuming office, the government has set ambitious targets for expanding the cultivation area, increasing yields, and promoting processing activities over the next five years.

To achieve these goals, the government plans to expand the area under horticulture crops from 11.6 percent to 16 percent and increase food processing from 6 percent to 20 percent in Uttar Pradesh by 2027. This expansion will support the establishment of numerous processing units, which will require a substantial supply of fruits and vegetables as raw materials.

Central to achieving these targets is the availability of quality planting material. To address this, the government is establishing centers of excellence, mini centers of excellence, and hi-tech nurseries in every district within a specified timeframe. Centers of excellence are currently under construction in several districts, including Chandauli, Kaushambi, Saharanpur, Lucknow, Kushinagar, and Hapur, while mini centers of excellence/hi-tech nurseries are being established in various other districts.

Encouraged by government support and the increasing possibilities in fruit and vegetable cultivation, the area under cultivation has expanded by over 1.01 lakh hectares in the last six years, accompanied by a yield increase of more than 0.7 percent.

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In a bid to provide quality plants to farmers, Indo-Israel Centres of Excellence for Fruits and Vegetables have been established in Basti and Kannauj. Additionally, the promotion of protected cultivation, employing Indo-Israeli technology to control moisture and temperature, is underway.

Over the past five years, the production of flowers and vegetables in polyhouses and shed nets has witnessed substantial growth, benefiting 5,549 farmers across 177 hectares. The government remains committed to fostering this trend in its ongoing efforts.

According to vegetable scientist SP Singh, the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and spices presents the most effective means of increasing farmers' income in Uttar Pradesh. With diverse agro-climatic zones, the state offers favorable conditions for cultivating a wide range of crops. Small and marginal farmers, constituting approximately 90 percent of the total farming community, traditionally engaged in crops such as paddy, wheat, and sugarcane, will play a pivotal role in this transformation. Encouraging them to embrace fruit, vegetable, and flower cultivation will contribute significantly to raising their income levels.

As Uttar Pradesh farmers tap into the lucrative market of fruits and vegetables, propelled by government initiatives, the state is poised for remarkable agricultural growth. 

source-ANI

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