Yogi govt unveils strategic plan for local seed production to empower Uttar Pradesh farmers

Highlights:-:

• Govt to establish five new seed parks across UP to achieve self-sufficiency in agricultural produce
• Yogi government's initiative set to save Rs 3,000 crore annually by producing quality seeds locally
• Local seed production initiative promises significant reduction in seed imports from other states

Lucknow News INA.

In a significant move aimed at empowering farmers and improving agricultural output, the Yogi government has unveiled a strategic plan to produce high-quality seeds locally in Uttar Pradesh. As part of this plan, five seed parks will be established across the state, strategically located in the Western, Terai, Central, Bundelkhand, and Eastern zones, catering to the unique agro-climatic conditions of each region.

The parks, to be built under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, will cover a minimum area of 200 hectares each. Six government-owned farms, equipped with basic facilities, have been earmarked for this purpose. These farms will be leased to interested parties, with two ranging between 200 to 300 hectares, and two larger farms exceeding 400 hectares.

The initiative is expected to reduce dependency on seeds from other states, improve crop yield, and ultimately enhance the quality of agricultural produce in the state.

The local production of quality seeds is expected to save the state about Rs 3,000 crore annually, while attracting additional investments and generating local employment opportunities. From plant operations to logistics and transportation, the initiative will create jobs, improving the local economy. Moreover, it will significantly enhance the Seed Replacement Rate (SSR), leading to better crop yields.

According to the Agriculture Department, Uttar Pradesh boasts the largest area of cultivable land in India, covering 166 lakh hectares, with more than 80 percent of this land being irrigated. Agriculture is the primary source of livelihood for approximately 3 crore families in the state. While Uttar Pradesh leads the nation in food grain and milk production and holds significant positions in fruit and flower cultivation, the state is still reliant on other regions for nearly half of its seed requirements. 

The state government spends around Rs 3,000 crore annually on procuring hybrid seeds, primarily from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. For example, 22% of wheat, 51% of paddy, 74% of maize 95% of barley, 50% of pulses and 52% of oilseeds seeds are sourced from other states.

Notably, despite having some of the most fertile land and extensive irrigation facilities, Uttar Pradesh lags behind in terms of per hectare yield. For instance, wheat production in Uttar Pradesh stands at 26.75 quintals per hectare, compared to Punjab’s 40.35 quintals. Similarly, paddy production in Uttar Pradesh is 37.35 quintals per hectare, whereas Haryana produces 45.33 quintals. Quality seeds could potentially bridge this gap by increasing yields by 15% to 20%.