New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday emphasized the critical importance of boosting research and innovation in the agriculture sector to unlock the state’s full potential. Speaking at the 36th Foundation Day of the Uttar Pradesh Council of Agricultural Research and a national seminar in Lucknow, the CM highlighted the state’s abundant natural resources and well-established agricultural institutions, calling for a focused, science-driven approach to agriculture.
Vast Potential Yet Underutilized
Addressing scientists, researchers, and policymakers, Adityanath pointed out that despite Uttar Pradesh having over 86% irrigated cultivable land and fertile resources, only 25-30% of farmers effectively use scientific research in their farming practices. This gap, he noted, limits the state’s agricultural productivity.
“With just 11% of India’s agricultural land, Uttar Pradesh contributes more than 20% of the country’s foodgrain output,” the CM said. “But I firmly believe that by fully harnessing our land, water, and research capabilities, we can triple our current productivity.”
Call for Tailored Research and Innovation
Adityanath stressed the need for agricultural research tailored to local soil, climate, and environmental conditions, rather than relying on foreign models. He remarked, “What works for Europe may not work for India. Our research must reflect local realities.”
The Chief Minister urged the state’s 15+ agricultural research institutions, 89 Agri Science centres, and several universities to accelerate their efforts and align research with regional needs. He cited examples of nations that have thrived by investing heavily in research and development across sectors, including space science, IT, and atomic research.
Vision for a USD 1 Trillion Economy by 2029
Referring to India’s broader development goals, Adityanath emphasized that Uttar Pradesh must play a pivotal role in achieving Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a developed country by 2047. He announced the state’s ambition to become a USD 1 trillion economy by 2029, supported by short-, medium-, and long-term developmental goals encompassing agriculture, infrastructure, education, healthcare, and income growth.
Agriculture as the Backbone of UP’s Economy
Highlighting agriculture as the largest employment sector in Uttar Pradesh, supporting nearly three crore farmers, the CM said agriculture must be a driver of prosperity rather than a reason for migration. He also noted the importance of the MSME sector, which employs 1.65 crore people.
Partnerships and Innovation
Adityanath recalled the establishment of a Centre of Excellence in collaboration with Israel, where Indian scientists worked alongside Israeli experts, and called for the expansion of such partnerships. “If Israel can achieve this, why can’t our agricultural universities replicate and expand it?” he asked.
Urgency to Prevent Farmer Migration
The Chief Minister expressed concern over ongoing farmer migration due to limited agricultural progress and called for urgent action to reverse this trend through innovation and research-driven farming practices.
