Uttar Pradesh Government Announced Big Budget for Agriculture Sector Fisheries Some Highlights

The Uttar Pradesh government unveiled the state budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 on Monday. During this period, the Yogi government made significant announcements for both the agriculture and fisheries sectors. The government expressed its commitment to implementing crucial schemes for farmers in the coming times. A provision of 190 crores has been allocated for the aqua park in the fisheries sector. Uttar Pradesh holds a vital position in the country's agricultural sector, and the government aims to delight farmers. This initiative is expected to lead to development in the agriculture sector, paving the way for prosperity among farmers. Additionally, farming will become more accessible for the farmers. Let's delve into the highlights of the budget, particularly focusing on the agriculture sector.

Key Highlights of the Budget:

Food and Supply Sector:

1. For the Rabi Marketing Year 2023-24, the Government of India has set the minimum support price for wheat at ₹2125 per quintal. In the state, 2.20 lakh metric tons of wheat were procured from 54,684 farmers, resulting in a direct payment of approximately ₹466 crores 35 lakhs to the farmers' bank accounts.
2. For the Kharif Marketing Year 2023-24, the minimum support price under the Minimum Support Price Scheme for paddy has been set at ₹2183 per quintal for Common category and ₹2203 per quintal for Grade-A category. Around 50.18 lakh metric tons of paddy were purchased from approximately 7.50 lakh farmers, resulting in a direct payment of ₹10,856 crores to the farmers' bank accounts.
3. The minimum support prices for maize, bajra, and jowar were also determined by the Government of India for the Kharif Marketing Year 2023-24. The state government made direct payments to the farmers' bank accounts by procuring at the minimum support prices.
4. Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, more than 56 lakh beneficiaries were provided free gas cylinders in the fiscal year 2023-2024. 
5. An allocation of ₹17,661 crores 60 lakhs has been proposed for the Food Security Scheme.
6. An allocation of ₹2200 crores has been proposed to provide free LPG cylinder refills to beneficiaries of the Free Food and Ujjwala Schemes.
7. Fishery Sector: Aqua Park with an Investment of ₹190 Crores
8. In line with the Prime Minister's Fisheries Asset Scheme, operational from 2020 to 2025, a new plan for the construction of Aqua Parks has been proposed with an allocation of ₹190 crores.
9. A provision of ₹310 crores has been proposed for the empowerment and inclusion of male and female beneficiaries under the Prime Minister's Fisheries Asset Scheme.