Lucknow, Jun 23 (PTI) Reviewing Kharif season preparations, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday called for mission-mode implementation of agricultural plans and urged officials to prepare for weather uncertainties while ensuring uninterrupted support to farmers.
He emphasised that agriculture forms the backbone of the state’s economy.
Consequently, ensuring the timely availability of seeds, fertilisers, irrigation water, electricity, crop loans, and scientific advice to farmers must be among the government’s top priorities.
He directed all district magistrates and concerned departments to make preparations tailored to local conditions.
Yogi Adityanath was chairing a review meeting of departments under the agricultural production commissioner’s branch, according to a statement.
During the meeting, it was reported that a target of 110.65 lakh hectares has been set for Kharif crop coverage, compared to the 106.60 lakh hectares sown in 2025.
The production targets for this year have been set at 224.25 lakh metric tonnes for paddy and 302.62 lakh metric tonnes for total Kharif crops.
As of June 22, sowing has been completed across 5.88 lakh hectares, and paddy nurseries have been established over an area of 4.06 lakh hectares.
The chief minister directed that the Kharif campaign be executed in ‘mission mode’ and that all necessary resources be made available to farmers on time.
Reviewing preparations for potential scanty rainfall or drought conditions, it was said that the agriculture department has formulated contingency plans for various scenarios.
If necessary, the cultivation area for short-duration crops such as ‘urad’ (black gram), ‘moong’ (green gram), ‘jowar’ (sorghum), ‘bajra’ (pearl millet), and ’til’ (sesame) will be increased, according to the statement.
Technical agricultural advice is being provided to farmers through SMS services, All India Radio, Doordarshan, and other mediums.
The chief minister also issued instructions to ensure maximum coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and to facilitate credit access for the maximum number of farmers through Kisan Credit Cards.
Adityanath directed that adequate availability of quality seeds be ensured in every district and that farmers face no inconvenience.
While reviewing the availability and distribution system for fertilisers, he issued instructions to ensure timely supplies. He directed that the availability of fertilisers be monitored regularly and that strict action be taken against any complaints regarding artificial shortages or black marketing.
The chief minister directed the Irrigation and Minor Irrigation Departments to ensure the effective operation of the canal system and to guarantee that irrigation water reaches the tail-end areas. He ordered an assessment of irrigation resources and agricultural needs at every block and tehsil level, and instructed that special action plans be prepared for areas with low irrigation coverage.
He emphasised that the drinking water supply must be given top priority in the utilisation of available water resources.
While reviewing the Animal Husbandry Department, Adityanath directed officials to ensure adequate arrangements for fodder, water, and medical care for livestock in the event of a potential drought. He instructed officials to regularly monitor fodder storage and animal health services.
During the review of the Panchayati Raj Department, the chief minister directed that activities such as the conservation of drinking water sources, maintenance of handpumps, rejuvenation of ponds, and public awareness programs be conducted as a campaign at the Gram Panchayat level, the statement said. PTI NAV MPL MPL
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