NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh has recorded remarkable growth in its agricultural sector, driven by government initiatives aimed at increasing productivity, supporting farmers, and promoting diversified farming. These efforts have led to historic outcomes, with higher crop yields, increased incomes for farmers, and a growing contribution to national production.Uttar Pradesh continues to be a leader in staple crop production. In 2024–25, wheat production reached 414.39 lakh metric tons, making the state the largest wheat producer in India, contributing 35.3% to the national total. Rice production also grew significantly, with 219.2 lakh metric tons, ranking Uttar Pradesh second in the country and contributing 14.7% to national rice production.Over the past eight years (2016–17 to 2024–25), wheat and rice productivity saw unprecedented growth. Wheat productivity grew by 42.8%, up from an average of 8.7% during 2001–02 to 2016–17. Similarly, rice productivity increased by 47.7%, compared to only 14.8% in the previous period. The state’s share in national wheat production rose from 12.5% to 30.5%, and rice production from 14.7% to 35.3%, reflecting the impact of progressive agricultural policies.
Oilseeds and pulses
In 2024–25, Uttar Pradesh produced 2.92 lakh metric tons of oilseeds, contributing 6.9% to India’s total production, up from 3.3% in 2016–17. Total pulses production reached 3.56 lakh metric tons, increasing the state’s share from 0.6% in 2016–17 to 1.4% in 2024–25.The government’s timely crop diversification efforts and supportive schemes have been credited for these gains, ensuring higher productivity and income for farmers.
Sugarcane, industrial crops growth
Sugarcane production in the state reached 2,455.3 lakh metric tons in 2024–25, making Uttar Pradesh the leading sugarcane-producing state with a 54.5% share of national production. This growth has also boosted sugar and ethanol production. Since 2017, sugarcane farmers have received fair prices, raising their income by about 7.2 times.Among industrial crops, potato production reached 244.65 lakh metric tons, contributing 40.7% to national output. Banana production increased to 7.17 lakh metric tons, making the state the top banana producer. Other vegetables totaled 42.34 lakh metric tons, and total spice production reached 3.7 lakh metric tons. Flower and aromatic plant production also saw remarkable growth, with the state contributing 20.9% to national output, up from 7.4% in 2016–17.
Livestock, dairy and fisheries development
Uttar Pradesh has strengthened livestock conservation and productivity through improved breeding facilities, medical services, and vaccination campaigns. Total milk production reached 414 lakh metric tons, accounting for 20% of national output. Under the “Rashtriya Gokul Mission,” artificial insemination has expanded to 80% of villages, improving cattle breeds and increasing milk yield from 4.9 kg per day in 2017–18 to 5.32 kg per day in 2024–25.Inland fish production is projected to reach 13.30 lakh metric tons by 2024–25, making Uttar Pradesh a leader in fish production. Egg production and other livestock-based activities have also seen steady growth, contributing significantly to farmers’ incomes.
Farmer welfare
The state government has implemented a wide range of initiatives to improve farmer livelihoods:
- Financial Support: Over Rs 80,000 crore transferred to 2.86 crore farmers through PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi.
- Irrigation Projects: 31 irrigation projects completed since 2017–18, benefiting 46.69 lakh farmers, along with modernization of 6,600 government tube wells.
- Digital Integration: Launch of the “UP Mandi Bhav” app providing free market prices and weather updates.
- Renewable Energy: 93,062 solar pumps allocated under PM-KUSUM scheme.
- Women Empowerment: Employment opportunities for 60,000 women through seedling production by self-help groups.
- Sugar Industry Growth: 3 new mills established, 6 restarted, 38 expanded, generating direct/indirect employment for 1.25 lakh people.
- Animal Welfare: 7,727 cow shelters established, protecting 16,35,251 cattle.
Additionally, schemes like Mukhyamantri Sahbhagita Yojana and Nandini Krishak Samriddhi Yojana have supported cattle adoption and milk production, while Farmer Credit Cards and fisheries promotion schemes have strengthened farmer access to credit and income diversification.
Horticulture and specialised crops
Specialised agriculture and horticulture have also seen major investments:
- Centers of Excellence (CoE) established for fruits, vegetables, ornamental plants, potatoes, dragon fruit, date palm, citrus, dryland horticulture, and cactus in various regions.
- Retail Outlets for organic and natural products set up at divisional headquarters.
- Krishi Vigyan Kendras: 20 new centers added, bringing the total to 89 operational KVKs.
- Export Promotion: UP State Horticultural Export Promotion Board established to boost exports of horticultural crops.
As a result of these comprehensive measures, Uttar Pradesh’s agricultural growth rate increased from 8.6% in 2016–17 to 17.7% in 2024–25. The state now produces 400 lakh tonnes of fruits and vegetables annually, with farmers benefiting from higher yields, better prices, and diversified sources of income.The government’s efforts in irrigation, technology, livestock management, and specialized agriculture have positioned Uttar Pradesh as a model state for agricultural development, ensuring sustainable growth and improved livelihoods for farmers.
