Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday stated at the two-day Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) Conclave (October 5-7) organised at the International Rice Research Institute South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC) to discuss the 150th anniversary of the Department of Agriculture, that Uttar Pradesh alone contributes 21 per cent to the country's food grain production. Yogi chaired a historic session as the chief guest.
Addressing the gathering, CM said, “Over the past 11 years, the state’s agricultural system has undergone extensive and revolutionary changes. Under the Prime Minister's leadership, facilities such as Soil Health Cards, insurance, and MSP are available, and 100 million farmers receive the Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana annually. Despite its limited area (11%), UP remains a leading state in agriculture, contributing 21% to national food production.”
“UP currently has four agricultural universities and a new one is being added. Additionally, global research institutes affiliated with CGIAR, such as IRRI and ISARC, are active in the state, playing a vital role in promoting agricultural innovation, sustainable farming, and food security,” he said.
Highlighting the eternal wisdom embedded in India’s agricultural traditions, he said, “We must also actively focus on our rich traditional knowledge, which has been passed down through generations and recorded in ancient texts and travellers’ accounts, so that we can strengthen both our agricultural heritage and modern innovations. Kalanamak, an iconic One District One Product (ODOP) variety of UP, holds historical significance as it was offered to Lord Buddha as Mahaprasad. I commend the continuous efforts of ISARC in identifying and promoting such valuable local varieties as well as developing innovative value-added products from these traditional varieties.”
Echoing the CM's views, the event's special guest, UP Minister of Agriculture, Agricultural Education and Agricultural Research Surya Pratap Shahi praised the efforts of ISARC and its Director Dr Sudhanshu Singh. He commended the institute's active role in advancing rice research and development in the state.
In this session, UP ministers Ravindra Jaiswal, Dr Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’ and Baldev Singh Aulakh were present as special guests.
