Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan today announced the establishment of a Clean Plant Center in Lucknow to accelerate the growth of Uttar Pradesh’s horticulture sector. The center will provide farmers with high-quality, disease-free planting material, helping expand horticultural cultivation and significantly increase farmers’ incomes. Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan jointly reviewed state’s agricultural roadmap, the implementation of various central and state agricultural schemes, and rural development programmes today at the Yojana Bhawan in Lucknow. Senior officials from both the Central and State Governments also attended the meeting.

 

On the occasion, Shivraj Singh Chouhan approved the extension of the government procurement period for gram, lentil, and mustard and handed over the approval letter to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. 

 

The Union Minister also handed over a list of 618,482 eligible beneficiaries for the next phase of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) to the Chief Minister and congratulated the state government. 

 

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stressed the effective and timely implementation of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar aur Aajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-GRAM, scheduled to commence in July. He directed state officials to immediately submit proposals to the Government of India for the settlement of pending MGNREGA dues so that the new programme can begin without delay.

 

The meeting also reviewed the potential impact of El Niño conditions on agriculture in Uttar Pradesh. Discussions focused on strengthening preparedness through water conservation, crop management, climate-resilient agricultural practices, and contingency planning. There was consensus on adopting a timely and coordinated action plan to safeguard farmers’ interests.