Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced the expansion of the Chief Minister Krishak Scholarship Scheme to benefit more meritorious children of farmers and agricultural labourers. The decision was taken during the 172nd meeting of the Uttar Pradesh State Agricultural Produce Market Council (Mandi Parishad).
The meeting also approved the ₹3,025.49 crore budget for FY 2026-27, extended key farmer welfare schemes until June 30, 2030, and outlined several initiatives to modernize agricultural mandis, strengthen rural infrastructure, and improve farmers’ incomes.
CM Yogi Expands Chief Minister Krishak Scholarship Scheme
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to widen the scope of the Chief Minister Krishak Scholarship Scheme so that a larger number of meritorious students from farming and agricultural labour families can benefit.
The initiative aims to promote education among rural students and provide financial assistance to deserving children, helping improve educational opportunities in farming communities.
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Farmer Welfare Schemes Extended Till 2030
The state government also approved the extension of two major farmer welfare schemes from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2030.
The extended schemes include:
- Chief Minister Krishak Accident Assistance Scheme
- Chief Minister Farm Fire Accident Assistance Scheme
To support these schemes, the government has allocated ₹30 crore in the FY 2026-27 budget, ensuring timely financial assistance to farmers and their families in case of accidents or fire-related losses.
₹3,025 Crore Budget Approved for Mandi Parishad
The State Agricultural Produce Market Council approved a budget of ₹3,025.49 crore for FY 2026-27.
Budget highlights:
- Estimated Receipts: ₹2,228.59 crore
- Total Expenditure: ₹3,025.49 crore
- ₹1,212.02 crore earmarked for ongoing infrastructure and development projects.
The budget focuses on improving agricultural marketing infrastructure and expanding facilities across the state’s mandis.
Mandi Modernisation and PPP-Based Processing Units
Chief Minister Yogi instructed officials to modernize agricultural mandis by strengthening basic infrastructure and promoting private investment.
Key initiatives include:
- Upgrading drinking water, sanitation and lighting facilities.
- Modernising mandi infrastructure.
- Simplifying rules to encourage PPP-based agricultural processing units.
- Promoting value addition to agricultural produce.
- Creating employment opportunities in rural areas.
The government believes these measures will help farmers receive better prices for their produce while boosting agro-processing industries.
Focus on e-NAM and Natural Farming
The Chief Minister also directed officials to accelerate agricultural reforms through digital platforms and sustainable farming.
Major initiatives include:
- Connecting more mandis to the e-NAM (National Agriculture Market) platform.
- Expanding the National Mission on Natural Farming.
- Introducing certification systems for organic products in every district.
These initiatives are expected to improve market access for farmers and promote environmentally sustainable agriculture.
Mandi Income Registers Strong Growth
Officials informed the meeting that the income of Uttar Pradesh’s mandi committees increased significantly during FY 2025-26.
Income growth:
- FY 2024-25: ₹1,991.33 crore
- FY 2025-26: ₹2,305.80 crore
- Growth: 15.79%
The increase reflects improved performance and higher revenue generation across agricultural market committees.
Rural Infrastructure to Get Major Boost
The new budget includes provisions for strengthening rural infrastructure and agricultural facilities.
Key development projects include:
- Construction and expansion of agricultural mandis.
- Repair of rural link roads.
- Development of farmer markets (Kisan Bazaars).
- Establishment of rural haats.
- Construction of cattle shelters.
- Hostel construction.
- Purchase of land for future development.
- Completion of previously approved infrastructure projects.
The government aims to improve agricultural marketing facilities while strengthening rural connectivity.
Interest-Free Working Capital for Pulses and Oilseeds Procurement
The meeting also approved measures to strengthen procurement under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) system.
Key decisions include:
- Improving procurement of pulses and oilseeds.
- Providing interest-free working capital to cooperative institutions involved in procurement.
- Ensuring smoother implementation of MSP operations.
The initiative is expected to enhance procurement efficiency and provide better price support to farmers.
Government Reviews Progress of Earlier Decisions
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the implementation of decisions taken during previous board meetings and instructed all concerned departments to complete farmer-centric development projects within the stipulated timelines while maintaining quality standards.
The government reiterated its commitment to improving agricultural infrastructure, expanding farmer welfare schemes and strengthening the state’s agricultural economy through sustained investments and policy reforms.
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