Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday directed officials to ensure that all preparations for the Kharif-2026 season are completed on time, and quality seeds, fertilisers and technical assistance be made available to farmers promptly.Chairing a review meeting of the agriculture department, Yogi emphasised special attention on enhancing farmers’ income by promoting modern technology, transparent systems and crop diversification within the agricultural sector.The CM especially stressed that in view of changing weather and climatic conditions, cultivation of pulses, oilseeds and ‘Shri Anna’ (millets) should be encouraged.He directed officials to keep a contingency plan ready for drought-prone areas and to provide seeds for alternative crops to farmers whenever necessary. He told the agriculture department to organise an international exhibition showcasing its unique strengths and achievements.The CM was told that a target has been set for the Kharif-2026 season covering an area of 110.65 lakh hectares, with production goal of 302.62 lakh metric tonnes. The production target for paddy has been set at 224.25 lakh metric tonnes, while targets for increased production have also been established for pearl millet (Bajra), maize, pigeon pea (Arhar) and groundnut.It was further noted that a target of distributing 2.29 lakh quintals of seeds has been set for Kharif-2026, of which 1.26 lakh quintals was made available by May 24. Specifically, a distribution target of 80,000 quintals of seeds has been set for paddy.Yogi emphasised that farmers should be provided with technical agricultural advice on a regular basis.The CM announced that starting June, ‘chaupals’ (community gatherings) will be organised in all development blocks. These Chaupals should be accompanied by ‘Kisan Melas’ (Farmers’ Fairs). The objective is to ensure that farmers receive the benefits of every govt scheme and to make concerted efforts to connect them with progressive farming practices.During the meeting, it was reported that about 18 to 20 UP districts are drought prone. Given the apprehension that an area of about 1 million hectares — dedicated to paddy and groundnut cultivation — could be adversely affected, arrangements are being made to procure additional seeds for pulses, oilseeds and `Shri Anna’ (millets) crops.While reviewing the availability and distribution of fertilisers, he instructed that effective measures be implemented to curb hoarding, black marketing and the diversion of fertilisers.
