Lucknow, April 24, 2026: The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare organized the North Zone Agriculture Conference in Lucknow, bringing together policymakers, scientists, and farmers to shape a region-specific roadmap for agricultural growth.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the inaugural session, along with ministers from six states and three Union Territories.
Speaking at the event, Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the need for state-specific agricultural planning, stating that each state must design its strategy based on local climate, soil conditions, and cropping patterns. He highlighted that zonal conferences would enable more focused discussions compared to earlier centralized meetings.
He outlined three key national priorities—food security, increasing farmers’ income, and ensuring nutritional security—and stressed the importance of improving productivity, reducing input costs, ensuring fair pricing, and promoting crop diversification.
The Union Minister also called for accelerated work on quality seeds, farmer ID systems, and Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) to streamline access to credit and government schemes. Raising concerns over the rising use of fertilizers, he urged states to promote balanced fertilizer use, soil health management, and natural farming practices.
On the issue of agricultural inputs, Chouhan issued a strong directive for strict action against fake seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, noting that poor-quality inputs directly impact farm output and farmer confidence.
Highlighting climate challenges, he said agricultural planning must adapt to changing weather patterns and rainfall uncertainties, with a focus on climate-resilient seeds and technologies.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath underscored the importance of bridging the gap between laboratories and farms, stating that scientific research must translate into field-level benefits for farmers. He noted that increased engagement between agricultural scientists and farmers has improved technology adoption and outcomes.
Adityanath emphasized technology adoption, training, and value addition as key drivers for transforming agriculture. He pointed out that in Uttar Pradesh, farmers are increasingly shifting towards multi-cropping models, supported by better seeds, government schemes, and market access.
