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Uttar Pradesh is no longer just India's largest agricultural producing state; it is rapidly emerging as a key pillar of the country's trillion-dollar economy through agricultural innovation, food processing, agri-exports and modern infrastructure. Efforts to integrate technology, value addition, exports and higher farm incomes are positioning the state as a major growth engine in India's economic development journey.
These views were expressed by Uttar Pradesh's Minister for Agriculture Education and Research, Surya Pratap Shahi, during the special session, "Mission Trillion Dollar UP: Building the Growth Engine of New India," held as part of Entrepreneur Game Changer Awards 2026 - Uttar Pradesh.
The event, held at Hotel Renaissance, Lucknow, was attended by Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Chief Guest Brajesh Pathak, Sachin Marya, Editorial Director, Entrepreneur India & APAC, Sanjeev Jha, Editor, Entrepreneur India, along with senior industry leaders, startup founders, investors, policymakers and experts from various sectors.
Uttar Pradesh Emerges as India's Leading Agricultural Power
Addressing the gathering, Surya Pratap Shahi said that Uttar Pradesh has achieved historic milestones in the agricultural sector over the past decade. He noted that the state has not only significantly increased food grain production but has also recorded remarkable progress in horticulture, vegetable cultivation, dairy farming, animal husbandry and fisheries. According to him, Uttar Pradesh is rapidly moving towards agricultural self-reliance.
Government Focused on Increasing Farmers' Income
Surya Pratap Shahi said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, farmers have been placed at the center of policy-making. Through various welfare schemes and reforms, continuous efforts have been made to enhance agricultural productivity and increase farmers' incomes. He further stated that food grain production in Uttar Pradesh has increased from approximately 54.3 million metric tonnes to 72.5 million metric tonnes, while sugarcane production has also witnessed significant growth. The average per-hectare income of sugarcane farmers has increased considerably.
Targeting Reduced Import Dependence Through Higher Pulses and Oilseed Production
Surya Pratap Shahi said that although India has achieved self-sufficiency in food grain production, the country still depends heavily on imports of pulses and edible oils. Keeping this challenge in mind, the Uttar Pradesh government is promoting the cultivation of pulses and oilseeds to reduce import dependence and make the agricultural sector more self-reliant.
Special Focus on Horticulture, Food Processing, and Value Addition
Surya Pratap Shahi said that the state has also witnessed rapid growth in horticulture, spice cultivation, floriculture, and mentha production. He emphasized that the government's vision extends beyond increasing production to promoting food processing, value addition, and agro-based industries, enabling farmers to access better markets and generate higher incomes.
Modern Infrastructure Connecting Farmers to Global Markets
Surya Pratap Shahi stated that the development of expressways, road networks, railways, air connectivity and logistics infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh has significantly improved farmers' access to both domestic and international markets. As a result, agricultural exports from the state have gained fresh momentum.
Barren Land Being Converted into Cultivable Land
Surya Pratap Shahi informed that under the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Kisan Samriddhi Yojana, thousands of hectares of barren and saline land are being scientifically converted into cultivable farmland every year. This initiative is expanding the state's cultivable area and creating new opportunities for farmers to increase agricultural production.
Promotion of Modern and Scientific Farming Practices
Surya Pratap Shahi said that the state government is continuously training farmers in multi-cropping systems, intercropping, scientific farming and modern agricultural technologies. Through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), farmers are receiving training on improved seed varieties, soil health management, advanced farming techniques, and scientific agricultural practices.
Modern Ecosystem Developed to Boost Agricultural Exports
Surya Pratap Shahi stated that the Uttar Pradesh government has established internationally compliant laboratories and testing facilities to promote agricultural exports. The establishment of modern infrastructure, including radiation laboratories for organic produce and fruit exports, has enabled direct exports from the state to international markets.
He further added that mangoes from Uttar Pradesh are now reaching global markets such as Russia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), France, Europe and the United States. Meanwhile, research and testing facilities are also being expanded to improve the quality of Basmati rice and other agricultural products.
Agricultural Research and Innovation Receiving Strong Support
Surya Pratap Shahi said that the state government is strengthening agricultural research institutions while promoting modern technologies, quality improvement and globally competitive agricultural research. These initiatives are expected to increase farmers' incomes while strengthening Uttar Pradesh's position in the global agricultural marketplace.
Agriculture Will Play a Decisive Role in Mission Trillion Dollar UP
Concluding his address, Surya Pratap Shahi said that through the integrated development of agricultural modernization, food processing, agricultural exports, research, innovation and modern infrastructure, Uttar Pradesh is rapidly progressing toward its trillion-dollar economy target. He expressed confidence that under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision, Uttar Pradesh will emerge as the country's strongest economic growth engine in achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 (Developed India 2047).
