Uttar Pradesh is making extensive preparations to increase both the cultivation area and production during the upcoming Rabi season. Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi announced that the target for Rabi crop sowing this year has been set at 141 lakh hectares.
To ensure farmers receive high-quality seeds, the government has made extensive arrangements. In this Rabi season, 10 lakh quintals of wheat seeds will be provided to farmers at subsidized rates. Additionally, to promote intercropping with winter sugarcane, sugarcane farmers will receive 7,080 quintals of mustard and rapeseed seeds, along with 12,500 quintals of lentil seeds, free of cost.
To maintain transparency in the selection of beneficiaries, an e-lottery system will be implemented; ensuring only genuine farmers receive the benefits. For this, farmers must register on the designated portal.
The Agriculture Minister highlighted that seed distribution through POS (Point of Sale) machines has enhanced transparency and built trust among farmers. The government’s aim is to ensure timely and adequate availability of quality seeds, thereby boosting production and accelerating the state’s journey towards the $1 trillion economy target.
Expansion in Cultivation Area: Discussing fertilizer availability, Shahi noted the significant rise in cultivated land. In the 2016 Kharif season, crops were sown on 91.45 lakh hectares, which increased to 105.93 lakh hectares in 2024. Overall, the total cultivated area including Rabi, Kharif, and sugarcane crops has grown from 225.87 lakh hectares in 2015-16 to around 274.22 lakh hectares in 2024-25.
Fertilizer Availability and Subsidy Support: Currently, farmers have access to about 6 lakh metric tonnes of urea stock. Despite rising prices in the global market, the central government has provided heavy subsidies to shield farmers from additional costs. For instance, the actual cost of a bag of urea is ₹2,174, but it is supplied to farmers at just ₹266.
Strict Action against Negligence: Minister Shahi issued a stern warning that negligence in schemes related to farmers’ welfare will not be tolerated. In line with this, Ashok Prasad Mishra, District Agriculture Officer of Shravasti, has been suspended. Earlier, officials from Sitapur and Balrampur districts were also suspended for similar lapses.
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