Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi said that the BJP government in Uttar Pradesh was focusing on the implementation of policies aimed at improving economic condition of the state emphasising specially on overall development of farmers. Speaking to reporters in Saharanpur, Shahi said that after waiving off crop loans worth Rs 36,000 crore, the Yogi government was chalking out plans to double the income of farmers by 2022.
“The government is waiving off loans of farmers whose accounts have turned non-performing assets (NPAs) for banks. This will not only help farmers but also banks. Our government has cleared cane farmers’ dues worth Rs 27,000 crore,” said the minister. Pointing out that the BJP government was committed to providing irrigation water to all farmers in the state, Shahi said that for water conservation, a Ponds Development Authority would be set up.
The Agriculture Minister said that 14,500 spring pump sets would be set up in Bundelkhand region under Prime Minister’s policy to overcome scarcity of water for irrigation. “Marginal and small farmers will get 90 per cent grants and general farmers will be expected to invest Rs 14,000 out of the total of Rs 70,000. Besides, the Agricultural department will promote organic farming to improve economic condition of farmers,” he said.