Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh is inching closer to self-reliance in pulses and oilseeds as the Yogi-led government’s sustained efforts begin to show measurable progress. Over the past eight years, pulse production surged from 23.95 to 59.19 lakh metric tonnes—a 2.5x growth. Oilseed output rose from 12.40 to 29.20 lakh metric tonnes during the same period.
This boost follows multiple initiatives: free distribution of high-yielding seeds like urad, arhar, moong, and gram; deployment of 46.33 lakh mini kits; and farmer training through Kisan Pathshalas and agri-fairs. Intercropping pulses with sugarcane and seasonal seminars further strengthened field-level adoption.
The Agriculture Department also pushed adoption of modern methods like drip irrigation and border sowing, alongside localized crop planning based on agro-climatic zones. Demonstration farms at progressive farmer plots made new techniques visible and replicable. The goal: to expand cultivation area to 28.84 lakh hectares (pulses) and 22.63 lakh hectares (oilseeds) by 2026–27, reducing dependence on volatile global markets and ensuring kitchen affordability.
