In the event of a weak monsoon, the Uttar Pradesh government has approved a proposal for distribution of state-funded certified seeds under which mustard and ragi seeds would be given to the farmers free of cost.

 The decision was taken in the cabinet meeting held here on Saturday.

The government spokesman said that the cabinet had approved Rs. 867 lakh for distribution of certified seeds.

“In view of weak monsoon the chief minister has been authorised by the state cabinet to include seeds of other varieties for free distribution as required under this scheme,” he said.

This scheme will be implemented in the form of a grant on distribution of certified seeds of short duration mustard and ragi under a special programme in the financial year 2022-23. Free seeds will be distributed to 25 per cent Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe farmers and remaining 75 per cent to other caste farmers in the affected districts.

“Along with this, efforts will be made to ensure the participation of 30 per cent women farmers among the selected farmers. The benefit of this facility will be made available to the farmers on 'first come-first served' basis,” the spokesman said.

With the implementation of the scheme, the production of about 1,80,000 metric tons of common mustard and 6,000 MT of ragi will be achieved and the beneficiary farmer will get an average profit of Rs 10,000 per hectare.

In another decision, the cabinet has approved the proposal to issue a letter of comfort to Inox Air Products Pvt Ltd under the Uttar Pradesh Oxygen Promotion Policy-2021.

The proposal regarding issuance of a letter of comfort for special facilities to be given to the proposed project with an investment of about Rs 200 crore in district Rae Bareli has been approved.

“Once the project starts, the state will get the required supply of oxygen and new employment opportunities will be created. Directly and indirectly, business activities will get momentum in the state. When the project starts, the state will move towards self-sufficiency in oxygen production,” the spokesman said.

In another decision, the state cabinet has approved a proposal related to allotment and transfer of Nazul land for the construction of two tube wells for drinking water scheme under Amrit programme in Ayodhya district.

The cabinet has approved the proposal for extension of the boundaries of Nagar Palika Parishad Baghpat and Nagar Palika Parishad Baraut, Municipal Council of Gonda, Karnailganj, Municipal Council of District Ayodhya, Rudauli and Nagar Palika Parishad of Hardoi district, Shahabad.

The boundaries of 25 villages in Ayodhya, four in Baghpat, 17 in Hardoi, seven in Gonda have been extended.

“As a result of the expansion of these urban bodies, the public will get the benefits of commercial, educational, health, transport, sanitation and other civic amenities. This will progressively enhance the quality of life of the residents there. With the urbanisation of rural areas, the possibilities of employment generation will increase,” the spokesman said.