With the successful conclusion of the Maha Kumbh, new avenues of employment and economic growth are emerging in the Ganga-Yamuna belt, including areas like Ganga Paar, Yamuna Paar, Jhunsi, Phaphamau, and Jasra. Local farmers are now turning to large-scale cultivation of watermelon, cucumber, muskmelon, and sponge gourd, aiming to transform their fortunes.
Taking advantage of the sandy soil and the pure water of the Ganga and Yamuna, farmers have already begun sowing crops along the banks of the Sangam. This farming boom is not only expected to yield a bumper harvest but also create thousands of job opportunities for local youth.
On the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a record amount of water has been released into the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, ensuring uninterrupted irrigation for farmers. With the increased water availability, farmers have started sowing crops without worrying about water scarcity. According to Dr Himanshu Singh, a horticulture scientist from Prayagraj, the sandy soil of this region is ideal for growing watermelons, cucumbers, and muskmelons. He believes that with proper irrigation and guidance, farmers can earn up to ?5 lakh within a month from these crops.
The post-Maha Kumbh agricultural shift is expected to provide a significant boost to the local economy. Apart from farming, new opportunities in packaging, transportation, and marketing are emerging, creating employment for thousands of local youth. The initiative has also received support from the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Agriculture Science Centre) in Prayagraj. Dr Anurag Singh, a senior scientist, is providing special training to farmers to enhance productivity and adopt modern farming techniques.
The Maha Kumbh may have elevated Uttar Pradesh’s economy to new heights, but now, the fertile land along the Sangam is set to write a new success story in agriculture. With the blessings of Mother Ganga and the support of the government, farmers are hopeful that their hard work will bear fruit in the coming months, filling their lives with prosperity and joy.
