Lucknow, April 8: During the inauguration of the sixth Uttar Pradesh Agricultural Science Congress-2026 in Lucknow, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath presented a comprehensive and visionary approach for the overall development of the agricultural sector. He emphasized that it is time to elevate agriculture from production to productivity, from productivity to profitability, and ultimately from profitability to prosperity.
CM Yogi stated that the vision of a developed and self-reliant India can only be realized when farmers thrive. Increasing production alone is not enough; it must also be profitable and sustainable. This journey from production to prosperity will define the future, and Uttar Pradesh is ready to play a leading role in this direction.
The Chief Minister noted that this three-day event will feature serious discussions on various aspects of agriculture, sharing grassroots experiences, innovations, and successful practices. This platform should not only be a forum for discussion but also a means to create a solid action plan that provides real benefits to farmers. Uttar Pradesh is home to about 16-17 percent of the country’s population, yet only has 11 percent of the agricultural land. Despite this, UP contributes approximately 21 percent to the nation’s total food grain production, a result of planned efforts, farmers’ hard work, and effective policies. The state has successfully increased its agricultural growth rate from 8 percent to nearly 18 percent, marking a significant achievement.
CM Yogi highlighted that agriculture has historically been the foundation of India’s economic strength. At one time, India accounted for 44-45 percent of the global economy, largely due to its robust agricultural system. Farmers were not just producers; they were artisans and entrepreneurs, involved in processing and manufacturing. However, over time, this system weakened, reducing farmers to mere raw material producers and creating economic imbalance, leading many to become indebted.
He stressed the importance of modern technology, stating that the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, drones, and satellite technology can provide new directions for agriculture. Sensor-based technology can help farmers make precise decisions by providing data on soil moisture and nutrients. AI can facilitate real-time crop analysis, disease identification, and yield forecasting. Drones can ensure accurate spraying of fertilizers and pesticides, while satellites can monitor weather and land conditions, making agriculture more scientific and effective. Biotechnology is essential for addressing climate change challenges, enabling the development of seed varieties that can adapt to changing weather and yield more.
CM Yogi described natural farming as a long-term solution that not only reduces costs but also maintains soil quality and environmental balance. He emphasized the critical role of digital agriculture platforms, which now provide farmers with direct access to market, weather, and pricing information. Decisions like the ‘One Nation-One Market’ system and reductions in market fees have improved farmers’ earnings. Additionally, digital soil health cards provide farmers with accurate information about their land quality directly on their mobile devices.
The Chief Minister advocated for transitioning from the traditional ‘lab to land’ model to the concept of ‘land is lab.’ He urged that fields should become laboratories where farmers and scientists collaborate on innovations. He called for agricultural science centers and universities to work together in this direction.
CM Yogi also mentioned reforms in the sugarcane sector, noting that while farmers previously faced delays in payments, now 107 out of 122 mills are paying cane prices within 6-7 days. The state contributes nearly 55 percent of the country’s total sugarcane production. Uttar Pradesh is number one in ethanol production, with over ₹3.15 lakh crore paid to farmers through direct benefit transfers. Approximately 85-86 percent of the land is irrigated, with initiatives promoting tubewells and solar panel-based irrigation. Completing pending projects like the Saryu Canal National Project has connected 1.4 million hectares to irrigation facilities, greatly benefiting farmers.
He also highlighted the government’s swift relief measures for natural disasters. The ‘Chief Minister Farmer Accident Insurance Scheme’ ensures assistance within 24 hours. Efforts are underway to reduce damage from incidents like lightning through an early warning system. Real change in agriculture is only possible with strong coordination among farmers, scientists, government, and markets. The state operates 89 agricultural science centers, which are being linked with progressive farmers and agricultural universities to develop a robust ecosystem.
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