CLUSTERS TO BOOST FARMING

More than 21,000 farmers got benefits in 11 districts of UP. The farmers engaged in organic farming by forming 700 clusters in an area of 14,000 hectares

Organic farming has been promoted in the villages situated on the banks of river Ganga in the state. Due to this effort of the Uttar Pradesh Government, not only the cost of agriculture has reduced but also the agricultural production and income of the farmers have increased over the period. In the tenure of 4.5 years, the government has worked to provide maximum benefits to the farmers.

In this regard, the government has launched a special campaign in 11 districts of the state. Along with the objective of cleaning the River Ganga, organic farming is being done on both the banks of the river.

Under this project of the government, 21,142 farmers of 11 districts, located along river Ganga have formed 700 organic clusters in an area of 14,000 hectares.

The farmers included in these clusters have grown various crops through organic methods under Kharif 2020 and Rabi 2020-21 seasons. After processing them, these were packed and sold at good prices. These products were displayed in the stalls of fairs, exhibitions and seminars organised on various occasions. Farmers have so far sold organic products worth Rs 2.76 crore from this project.

Along with increasing organic farming in UP, the state government has taken many steps towards the welfare of the farmers. Not only this, keeping their interests paramount, the farmers of the state were also given a big opportunity to grow profitable crops. In view of the benefits being given to the farmers of the state, the government is going to start the second phase of this project soon. Of the total project cost of Rs 71.40 crore, Rs 21.05 crore has already been spent.

■ Organic certification body will be set up to promote organic farming in the state

■ Special grant will be given for vermi compost and 'Gobar' gas plants food processing.

■ Uttar Pradesh will be developed as a food park state.

■ Food processing parks will be set up in all six districts of the state where packaging, export and research facilities will be available.

■ Interest free loans will be given for setting up small scale industries based on food processing.

■ Farmers were able to sell organic products worth Rs 2.76 crore from this project.

■ Of the total project cost of Rs 71.40 crore, Rs 21.05 crore has already been spent.