By Our Correspondent
Lucknow: In a significant move to support farmers affected by adverse weather conditions, the UP government is providing subsidized seeds for crops such as maize, millet, sorghum, pulses, and oilseeds. The initiative aims to assist farmers in areas of the state where insufficient rainfall has hindered paddy cultivation or where crops have been damaged by floods.
Additionally, the Agriculture Department is actively educating farmers on ways to mitigate their losses.
Highlights
- Subsidized seeds provided for maize, millet, sorghum, pulses & oilseeds
- July rainfall recorded at 42 percent below normal
- Subsidies available per hectare for crop demonstrations
Contrary to the Meteorological Department’s forecast, July experienced approximately 42 percent less rainfall than usual. This shortage has significantly impacted the sowing of paddy, the primary Kharif crop. Central Uttar Pradesh and Bundelkhand have received considerably less rainfall than the average, leaving 25 to 30 percent of fields in these regions still unsown.
According to the Meteorological department, there is little hope for significant rain in the remaining days of July.
State Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi recently advised farmers who are still waiting for rain to plant paddy to consider switching to other crops that require less time and water to grow. As alternatives, he suggested that farmers could plant maize, millet, sorghum, and pulses-oilseeds.
Under the Rapid Maize Development Program (Tvarit Makka Vikas Karyakram) and National Food Security Mission, a provision has been made for 50 percent subsidy on normal seeds of hybrid maize across all 75 districts of the state. Maize is in high demand due to its versatility, and it also offers a better yield per quintal.
Additionally, the government is offering a subsidy of Rs. 6,000 per hectare for the demonstration of Desi Maize, Hybrid Maize, and Popcorn Maize. For Baby Corn Maize, the subsidy is Rs. 40,000 per hectare, while for Sweet Corn Maize, it is Rs. 50,000 per hectare.
Stalls featuring hybrid seeds for maize, millet, and sorghum from private companies are being set up in every block, with a 50 percent subsidy on these seeds directly credited to farmers’ accounts.
Additionally, the government is providing free seed minikits for finger millet (madua), sawa, kodo, and bajra at departmental sales centers in all blocks. Seeds for pulses and oilseeds, including urad, moong, arhar, and sesame, are also available through the general distribution program. Farmers can obtain these seeds via a POS machine, paying only 50 percent of the price after the subsidy is applied.
Most of these crops require less water and have shorter growth periods. Maize and millet are in high market demand, and pulses can provide an additional protein-rich crop. Pulses also naturally fix nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil, which benefits subsequent crops by increasing yields. Additionally, planting these crops can help ensure that Rabi crops are sown on time.
