In a powerful gesture of interstate solidarity and agricultural support, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mr. Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday flagged off a special seed assistance convoy carrying 1,000 quintals of high-yield wheat seeds for flood-affected farmers in Punjab.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Mr. Yogi emphasized his government’s commitment to supporting fellow farmers in their time of need, particularly in light of the recent devastating floods that disrupted agricultural activities and seed storage infrastructure in Punjab.
Helping Punjab Farmers Rebuild Post-Flood Agriculture
Mr. Yogi stated that the seed aid is aimed at ensuring timely sowing and helping farmers recover their crop cycles. The wheat variety being sent, he added, matures in 155 days and can yield up to 80 quintals per hectare, which will contribute significantly to restoring agricultural productivity in the flood-hit regions.
“In this time of crisis, we stand with the farmers of Punjab. This high-yield wheat variety will help them resume cultivation quickly,” said Mr. Yogi.
A Tribute and a Message of Unity
Coinciding with the birth anniversary of Harvinder Sahib Govind, Mr. Yogi paid tribute to the spiritual and social leader, praising his legacy of public service and unity. “When he visited Punjab, lamps were lit in his honour. Today, we carry forward that spirit of brotherhood,” the Chief Minister said.
Previous Disaster Relief Efforts Also Highlighted
Mr. Yogi recalled that Uttar Pradesh has previously extended flood relief support to Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, including essential supplies and financial aid from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. He also praised the Seed Development Corporation, noting that it has been revitalized under the current administration after years of poor performance.
“When we came to power, this department was not in good shape. Today, it is delivering quality seeds not just to our farmers but to those in need across India,” he said.
Punjab’s Ongoing Flood Recovery
Meanwhile, Punjab’s Finance Minister Mr. Harpal Singh Cheema stated that the State Assembly is currently debating the Rehabilitation Bill, introduced by Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Mann to accelerate the recovery process. Mr. Cheema also pointed out that Punjab had requested Rs. 20,000 crore in relief from the central government, but only Rs. 1,600 crore was announced, and even that amount has not yet been disbursed.
