Grow additional third crop for higher income: UP CM to farmers

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday inaugurated the three-day Mango Festival in Lucknow, where he advised farmers to explore the cultivation of an additional third crop each year to increase their agricultural income.

Encouraging farmers to embrace horticulture and high-value crops, he said, "Progress in farming means progress for the state and the nation. When farmers become prosperous, the dream of a developed India becomes attainable." "Modern methods are enabling farmers in areas like Auraiya to harvest three crops annually, potatoes, followed by maize, and then paddy, the chief minister said while addressing the event.

"One farmer earned a profit of Rs 1 lakh from a single acre of maize, that is the power of advanced agriculture," he added.

In his address, Adityanath also drew attention to the regional disparities in agricultural advancement within the state.

"While western Uttar Pradesh has adopted modern farming techniques and is earning good returns, the same could not be said earlier for Bundelkhand or eastern Uttar Pradesh," he noted.

However, he said this gap is closing thanks to the government's efforts to resolve irrigation challenges through key projects like the Arjun Sahayak and Saryu Canal schemes.

"Where there was once only one crop, farmers are now harvesting two or even three crops a year," he added.

He urged farmers to consider integrating fruits, medicinal plants and timber-yielding trees in their fields with the support of the horticulture and forest departments. He also highlighted the importance of private sector participation in fruit orchards and commercial forestry.

"For significantly higher income farming, industrial crops, and value addition are essential," Adityanath said.

"Farmers should begin preparing now to choose crops that can be cultivated alongside their main crops, be it fruits, turmeric, ginger or others," he added.

Thanking the Horticulture Minister Dinesh Pratap Singh and officials for organising the festival, Adityanath suggested that such events should also be held in other major districts of the state.

"These platforms offer not only celebration, but also a chance for buyers, sellers, scientists, and farmers to exchange knowledge and experiences for mutual benefit," he added.

Meanwhile, the chief minister recalled that in 2017, when his government began a plantation drive, the state had struggled to arrange even 5 crore saplings. "Now, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi launching the 'One Tree in Mother's Name' campaign, Uttar Pradesh is ready to plant 50 crore saplings on July 9," he said.

"That's a sign of the new Uttar Pradesh," he added.