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Uttar Pradesh is on the cusp of an agricultural revolution, and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is leading the charge with a groundbreaking strategy: large-scale intercropping of sugarcane with high-value oilseeds and pulses. This innovative approach isn’t just about doubling farmer incomes; it’s about multiplying them manifold and laying the foundation for a more prosperous, self-reliant agricultural sector.
Why Intercropping is a Game-Changer
During a recent high-level meeting, CM Adityanath emphasized that integrating crops like mustard, lentil, urad, and moong with sugarcane offers a multitude of benefits for farmers:
- Additional Production: Farmers gain extra yields from the intercrops, leading to more produce overall.
- Lower Costs: Efficient use of land and resources can reduce overall input costs per crop.
- Stable Income: A diversified crop portfolio provides a more consistent income stream throughout the year, mitigating risks associated with relying solely on a single crop.
- Economic Strengthening: The combined effect of increased production and reduced risk leads to a significant boost in farmers’ economic well-being.
Addressing the Challenge of Limited Land
With the state’s ambition to achieve a trillion-dollar economy, horizontal expansion of cultivable land is no longer a viable option. The focus must shift to enhancing crop output per unit area. Sugarcane-based intercropping emerges as the perfect solution, offering higher production, increased income, and crucial risk protection simultaneously.
A Vision for Self-Reliance and Growth
Currently, sugarcane is cultivated across a vast 29.50 lakh hectares in Uttar Pradesh (14.64 lakh hectares newly sown and 14.86 lakh hectares under ratoon crop). By integrating oilseed and pulse intercropping across this extensive area, the state anticipates a significant surge in production. This move is not merely about boosting individual farmer profits; it’s a strategic step towards achieving greater self-reliance in oilseeds and pulses at both state and national levels.
Mission Mode Implementation
CM Adityanath has directed that this transformative plan be implemented in a mission-mode approach from the financial year 2026-27 to 2030-31. The core strength of this model lies in its ability to provide “additional crops, additional profit, and additional security” without adversely affecting sugarcane yield. A year-wise roadmap is being prepared to ensure seamless execution and maximum impact.
The Chief Minister views this initiative as more than just a benefit for sugarcane farmers; he sees it as a catalyst for the broader transformation of Uttar Pradesh’s agricultural landscape, directly contributing to the state’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and fostering widespread prosperity.
Source: Original Article
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