On Monday, October 6, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that Uttar Pradesh is aiming to become a global food basket. Not only this, the state is playing a significant role in achieving the goal of a $1 trillion state economy by 2029-30. He said this statement while addressing the Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) conclave held at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) South Asia Regional Centre in Varansi.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister highlighted that if quality seeds and technology are provided on time, the state can produce three times more than its current output. He noted that Centers of Excellence will be established in collaboration with international institutions such as IRRI and the International Potato Center (CIP) to encourage research-based agricultural growth.
Uttar Pradesh, a global food basket, as it alone produces 21% of the country’s food grains
Underscoring the state’s agricultural capability, the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that India has 170 million hectares of cultivable land, 60% of which is irrigated, whereas Uttar Pradesh alone produces 21% of the country’s food grains despite having only 11% of the land area and 17% of the population. UP leads in the cultivation of paddy, wheat, sugarcane, potatoes, pulses, and oilseeds.
The Chief Minister mentioned that revolutionary changes occurred in the farm sector in the 11 years under PM Narendra Modi’s leadership, associating farmers with initiatives like the Soil Health Cards, crop insurance, PM Krishi Sinchai Yojana, MSP at 1.5 times the cost, and the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana.
UP’s Kala Namak Rice- promoted globally as Lord Buddha’s Prasad
Discussing Uttar Pradesh’s heritage, the CM said that Kala Namak rice is being promoted globally as Lord Buddha’s Prasad. Notably, the Kala Namak rice was offered by Lord Buddha 3,000 years ago. He added that rice cultivation in the state has an 8,000-year-old history, with ancient inscriptions from Thanjavur and Ramanathapuram outlining India’s advanced agricultural tradition.