Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has given the call for integrating agriculture with entrepreneurship to enhance the income of farmers. He has also stressed the need for digitising agriculture and promoting natural farming.

Chief Minister Yogi on Friday inaugurated the Krishi Bharat 2024 in Lucknow. The four-day agricultural and technology event, being held at Vrindavan Yojana Grounds, highlights the importance of integrating agriculture with entrepreneurship and employing modern technology to increase farmers' income.

“In the past decade, significant efforts have been made across the country to free farmers from the burden of high-interest loans and guide them toward self-reliance. However, there is still room for improvement,” Yogi Adityanath said.

“Our focus should be on advancing the agricultural sector with enhanced technology. Given the diverse agro-climatic zones within the country, each state brings unique experiences, and regions have shown remarkable progress — even under challenging circumstances worldwide. By sharing best practices, we can learn much from one another,” the chief minister said.

Before the event, Chief Minister Yogi participated in a bilateral meeting with partner country the Netherlands, where he met with a delegation led by the country’s Deputy Agriculture Minister Jan-Kees Goet and Ambassador to India Marisa Gerards.

During the meeting, two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed between the Uttar Pradesh government and the Netherlands, and Chief Minister Yogi toured various exhibition stalls.

The Krishi Bharat Exhibition spans 20,000 square metres, showcasing innovations and sustainable developments in agriculture. Featuring over 250 exhibitors, the event is expected to attract more than one lakh farmers and visitors.

The exhibition highlights advancements in agriculture, dairy, food processing equipment, and other agri-services and technologies. Organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Krishi Bharat serves as a state and national pavilion, presenting world-class agricultural innovations.

Expressing gratitude to the CII, Chief Minister Yogi acknowledged its efforts in organising Agrotech in India since 2000. For the first time, this prestigious event is being held in Uttar Pradesh, moving beyond its traditional location in Chandigarh — a milestone of great significance.

Partnering with the CII for this event, the Netherlands is the official country partner, while nations like Australia, Canada, Uganda, Spain, and the UK, along with agricultural experts and stakeholders, are also participating.

Chief Minister Yogi emphasised Uttar Pradesh’s vital role in Indian agriculture, noting that while the state accounts for 17 per cent of India’s population (25 crore people) and only 11 per cent of the country’s cultivable land, it contributes 20 per cent of the nation’s total agricultural output. This remarkable achievement reflects the state’s abundant water resources and fertile land, he added.

Highlighting the untapped potential, he stated that with the integration of digital agriculture and advanced technologies, agricultural productivity could increase by three to four times.

Chief Minister Yogi emphasised the need to reduce agricultural costs, adopt modern technology, and minimise reliance on chemical fertilisers by utilising natural resources. He highlighted the importance of raising farmer awareness, ensuring market access for quality seeds, and connecting agriculture with entrepreneurship to drive transformative changes in the sector.

Before the inaugural session, Chief Minister Yogi, in a meeting with the delegation, highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s vast potential, noting its 25 crore population, fertile land, and abundant water resources. He acknowledged the strides made in agriculture, horticulture, dairy, and fisheries under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership but emphasised that significant opportunities remain. Collaborating with countries like the Netherlands, he said, would help propel these initiatives forward.

The chief minister also pointed out that Uttar Pradesh, with support from the Centre and the state, has six agricultural universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras in every district, which play a crucial role in providing farmers with advanced seeds and technology. He expressed optimism that these efforts could triple or quadruple production across agriculture, fisheries, horticulture, animal husbandry and dairy sectors in Uttar Pradesh.

The Netherlands, with its expertise in affordable, sustainable technology, provides valuable insights, Chief Minister Yogi said, adding that promoting natural farming alongside chemical-free pesticides would be key to sustainable progress in agriculture and horticulture.