The Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh, which had faced decades of neglect in the agricultural sector despite its rich water resources, robust manpower and a large consumer market, is now heading for a significant transformation. This change is largely due to the initiatives undertaken by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over the past seven years.
The revival of the Gorakhpur fertiliser factory, which had been closed for two decades, stands as a testament to this. The factory, now operating at an increased capacity, has effectively eliminated fertiliser shortages during crop seasons.
Another significant achievement is completion of the ambitious Saryu canal project which had been stalled for nearly five decades due to budget constraints. Upon assuming office as chief minister in 2017, Yogi Adityanath expedited its completion. Today, the canal irrigates 1.4 million hectares, breathing new life into agriculture across a dozen districts, including those where Siddharthnagar’s Kala Namak rice has received a Geographical Indication (GI).
Several new initiatives have further rejuvenated agriculture. The Indian Institute of Vegetable Research in Varanasi, Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Kushinagar, National Horticultural Research and Development Foundation (NHRDF), National Research Centre on Seed Spices, and collaborations with Tata Trust and Azim Premji Foundation are promoting the cultivation of vegetables, seed spices, onions and horticulture.
The Yogi government’s designation of bananas as Kushinagar’s agricultural product has spurred additional opportunities. Upgrading Krishi Vigyan Kendras into processing and training centres under the Centre of Excellence and providing farmers with advanced varieties of vegetable and fruit plants suited to the agricultural climate have yielded significant benefits.
This transformative process is ongoing and will continue in the future. The veterinary college in Gorakhpur and the Mahatma Buddha Agricultural University in Kushinagar will play crucial roles in this endeavour, bringing significant benefits to animal breeders and farmers.
Notably, most of Purvanchal is flood-prone, and the healthiest livestock were once found in the Diara (land within a river) region. The new veterinary college will significantly benefit animal breeders. Similarly, the agricultural university’s research, tailored to the climate and conditions of the region, will develop new crop species that will provide long-term benefits to farmers. The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) branch in Varanasi will offer similar advantages.
Reflecting the Yogi government’s commitment to the interests of farmers, the World Bank will also collaborate on a significant project. With a budget of Rs 4,000 crore, this initiative focuses on 28 districts, including 21 from Purvanchal and seven from Bundelkhand.
Purvanchal, the country’s most populous region, is nestled within the fertile Indo-Gangetic belt. This area boasts some of the world’s most productive lands, nourished year-round by rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Saryu, Rapti and Gandak. Water is accessible just a few feet underground, complemented by an extensive canal network, including the Saryu canal, which irrigates 1.4 million hectares across a dozen districts. The region’s abundant resources are a source of pride and promise for its residents.
In addition to fertile soil and ample water, Purvanchal’s dense population provides a robust labour force and a substantial consumer market. This combination has always presented significant agricultural potential. Recognising this, the British promoted sugarcane cultivation, establishing numerous sugar mills that transformed the region into a global sugar bowl.
However, in independent India, Purvanchal faced significant neglect. When Ghazipur MP Vishwanath Gahmari highlighted the region’s plight in Parliament, it moved many to tears, yet little action followed. Political reasons consistently sidelined Purvanchal. Over the past seven years, the Yogi government has orchestrated a remarkable transformation in the predominantly agrarian Purvanchal region.
