Uttar Pradesh Targets Rs 3,000 Crore in Seed Production to Enhance Cash Crops

Key Highlights

• Uttar Pradesh targets Rs 3,000 crore in seed production.
• Seed parks are to be developed under the PPP model.
• Focus on cash crops like paddy, wheat, maize, and pulses.
• Plan to reduce reliance on imported hybrid seeds.
• Improved seed quality is expected to increase yields by 15-20%.

The Uttar Pradesh (UP) government is planning a major push to produce seeds worth Rs 3,000 crore annually. The goal is to reduce reliance on other states for hybrid seeds and boost the production of important cash crops like paddy, wheat, maize, pulses, barley, and oilseeds.

Also Read: Govt Increases MSP for Rabi Crops 2025-26: Mustard and Rapeseed Get the Highest Boost

Why Seed Production Matters for UP

Uttar Pradesh has India's largest cultivable land area, covering around 16.6 million hectares. Over 80% of this land is irrigated, which means there is great potential for high crop yields. However, UP currently imports a large amount of seeds from states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. For example, 22% of the state's wheat seeds, 51% of paddy seeds, and 95% of barley seeds come from outside UP.

This heavy dependence on other states increases costs and reduces the state’s self-reliance in agriculture. The new seed production plan aims to change that.

Seed Parks to Be Set Up Across the State

The state government is establishing several seed parks under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. These parks will be spread over 1,200 hectares across five regions: Western UP, Terai, Central UP, Bundelkhand, and Eastern UP. The parks will focus on improving the quality of the seeds and making them available for farmers at a lower cost.

By producing better seeds locally, UP can also create jobs in rural areas, giving a much-needed boost to the agricultural sector.

Also Read: Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: Haryana to Build 5 Lakh Houses in Urban and Rural Areas

The Need for Better Seeds

Even though UP has fertile land and irrigation facilities, the state’s crop yields are still lower compared to other states. For instance, UP’s wheat yield is 26.75 quintals per hectare, while Punjab’s is 40.35 quintals. Similarly, UP produces 37.35 quintals of paddy per hectare, compared to 45.33 quintals in Haryana.

Experts believe that by using better-quality seeds, UP farmers could increase their crop yields by 15-20%. This would not only benefit farmers but also strengthen the state’s agricultural output.

More Support for Farmers

To further support its farmers, the UP government is partnering with private companies to offer additional services. For example, the state has teamed up with Google to provide timely weather updates and crop information. There are also initiatives like the ‘Golden Farms’ marketplace, which helps small and medium-sized farmers with sowing and farming guidance.

UP is also focusing on bioenergy, with companies like BiofuelCircle setting up ‘Biomass Banks.’ These banks collect farm residue, which is then used in biogas plants to create energy.

Also Read: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Discusses Key Agricultural Issues and MSP Hike with Farmers

CMV360 Says

With these new initiatives, Uttar Pradesh is taking a big step toward self-reliance in seed production. The state’s focus on improving seed quality, reducing costs, and supporting farmers through technology and partnerships is expected to bring lasting benefits to the agricultural sector.