Farmers’ Income Set to Multiply as CM Yogi Calls for Mission-Mode Implementation of Intercropping

Lucknow:
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has said that large-scale adoption of intercropping, particularly oilseeds and pulses along with sugarcane, is the most effective way to give a major boost to Uttar Pradesh’s agricultural sector and significantly enhance farmers’ income. He emphasized that this model has the potential not just to double, but to multiply the earnings of sugarcane farmers.

Chairing a high-level meeting on Monday, the Chief Minister stated that cultivating high-value intercropped varieties such as mustard, lentil, urad and moong alongside sugarcane can provide farmers with additional production at lower cost, ensure steady income throughout the year, and strengthen their overall financial stability.

CM Yogi pointed out that horizontal expansion of cultivable land in the state is no longer possible. Therefore, achieving the goal of a trillion-dollar economy depends on increasing productivity per unit area. He described sugarcane-based intercropping as a new and sustainable agricultural model for Uttar Pradesh that offers higher output, higher income and reduced risk.

He further noted that widespread adoption of intercropping would ensure faster cash flow for farmers and reduce dependence on single-crop farming, making agriculture more resilient and sustainable in the long run.

The Chief Minister directed officials to implement the intercropping programme in mission mode from 2026–27 to 2030–31. At present, sugarcane is cultivated over 29.50 lakh hectares in the state, including 14.64 lakh hectares under newly sown crop and 14.86 lakh hectares under ratoon crop. Integrating oilseed and pulse crops across this vast area is expected to result in a substantial increase in overall agricultural output, while also strengthening self-reliance in oilseed and pulse production at both state and national levels.

CM Yogi instructed that the programme be implemented through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and agricultural universities, ensuring that crop selection is based on scientific research and field-level practicality. In line with the recommendations of the Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research (IISR), he suggested prioritizing mustard and lentil during the Rabi season, and urad and moong during the Zaid season.

Highlighting the strength of the model, the Chief Minister said that intercropping enables farmers to earn additional income and gain extra security without affecting sugarcane yield. He directed officials to prepare a year-wise roadmap for the scheme and stressed that the initiative should not remain limited to sugarcane farmers alone, but should be implemented as a transformative step for the state’s overall agricultural landscape.