Lucknow, April 24: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said farmers in the state are now reaping the benefits of scientific farming practices, modern technology, and government-backed agricultural reforms, leading to remarkable progress in agricultural production and farmer prosperity.
Speaking at the 6th Uttar Pradesh Agricultural Science Congress 2026 in Lucknow, the Chief Minister emphasized that agriculture in the state is moving beyond traditional production methods and entering a new phase focused on productivity, profitability, and long-term prosperity. He said the government’s vision is to make farming more sustainable, technology-driven, and farmer-centric.
Yogi Adityanath highlighted the concept of “Land is Lab,” describing it as a major shift from the traditional “Lab to Land” model. Under this approach, farmers’ fields themselves become testing grounds where scientists and farmers work together to improve crop yields, reduce input costs, and adopt practical innovations suited to local conditions. He said this system ensures faster implementation of research and more effective farming outcomes.
He stressed that modern agricultural tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones, satellite imaging, and data-based crop monitoring are helping farmers make better decisions and improve efficiency. These technologies are reducing losses caused by pests, weather uncertainty, and poor planning while increasing productivity and income opportunities for farmers.
The Chief Minister also underlined the importance of natural farming and reducing excessive dependence on chemical fertilizers. He said sustainable farming practices not only lower cultivation costs but also improve soil health and environmental balance, creating long-term benefits for both farmers and consumers.
Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s agricultural achievements, he noted that despite having only around 11 percent of the country’s cultivable land while supporting nearly 16–17 percent of India’s population, the state contributes nearly 21 percent of the nation’s total food production. He added that the agricultural growth rate in the state has improved significantly, reflecting the impact of better policies and stronger farmer participation.
Yogi Adityanath also pointed to major irrigation improvements across the state, including canal modernization and large-scale river-linking projects. He said these efforts have expanded irrigation coverage and strengthened the farming ecosystem. The Saryu Canal National Project and solar-powered irrigation systems were cited as key contributors to agricultural development and farmer support.
He further praised digital agricultural platforms and reforms like “One Nation, One Market,” saying they are helping farmers access wider markets, better price discovery, and reduced dependence on middlemen. He added that improved market linkages are essential to making agriculture more profitable and self-reliant.
During the event, the Chief Minister also honored 15 distinguished scientists and several agricultural innovators for their contributions to farming research and innovation under the Uttar Pradesh Krishi Vaigyanik Samman Yojana 2025–26.
He concluded by saying that Uttar Pradesh is committed to transforming agriculture from production to prosperity and making the state a national model for scientific, sustainable, and profitable farming.
