Agricultural Diversity, Problems of agriculture and their solutions in UP

Introduction

In the agrarian landscape of Uttar Pradesh, agricultural diversity stands as both a testament to the state’s rich agricultural heritage and a challenge that demands innovative solutions. With its vast expanse of land and a diverse array of crops, Uttar Pradesh plays a pivotal role in India’s agricultural sector. However, this diversity is accompanied by a unique set of challenges that farmers in the state face. From traditional problems such as small landholdings and water scarcity to modern issues like market access and climate change, the agricultural sector in Uttar Pradesh is at a critical juncture. In this context, exploring the problems faced by agriculture in Uttar Pradesh and identifying effective solutions is essential to sustain the state’s agricultural legacy and improve the livelihoods of its farmers. This discussion delves into the intricate tapestry of agricultural diversity in Uttar Pradesh, examining the challenges that hinder its progress and proposing viable solutions to pave the way for a more prosperous and sustainable agricultural future.

Agricultural diversity

Uttar Pradesh (UP) is one of the most agriculturally diverse states in India, with nine agro-climatic zones, each having its own unique set of soil and climatic conditions. This diversity is reflected in the state’s agricultural output, which includes a wide variety of crops, fruits, and vegetables, leading to unique crops and cropping patterns. The state is also home to a diverse range of livestock, including cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and poultry.

Soil diversity :

The soil diversity in Uttar Pradesh can be categorized into three groups based on land texture. Therefore, we will study the state’s soil in the following order :

1. Soils of the Bhabar and Terai region
2. Soil of the great Gangetic plain
3. The soils of the hill-plateau region in the south

Climatic diversity :

Climatic diversity in Uttar Pradesh has been classified by Prof. Stamp and Dr. Qazi Syed Ahmed based on rainfall, resulting in two types and five sub-types of climatic regions:

1. Humid and Hot Zone –
   1. Tarai region
   2. Eastern Uttar Pradesh
2. Normal Humid and Hot Zone —
   1. Intermediate plain region
   2. Western plain region
   3. Hilly plateau region of Bundelkhand

Crop diversity :

Uttar Pradesh experiences three distinct seasons:

1. Summer season,
2. Rainy season, and
3. Winter season.

Correspondingly, three types of crops are cultivated :

1. Rabi,
2. Kharif, and
3. Zayad

Rain diversity :

In the state, there is a decrease in the amount of rainfall as we move south from the Himalayas or from east to west. Similarly, there is a decrease in the duration of rainfall. In Gorakhpur, where there is a possible period of rain for 56 days, in western Uttar Pradesh, it lasts only 32 days.

About 83% of the state’s total rainfall occurs during the monsoon season (from July to September); the remaining rainfall (approximately 17%) occurs in winter (due to western disturbance) and summer (due to cyclones).

9 Agro-climatic zones :

Uttar Pradesh is divided into 9 agro-climatic zones based on different agricultural processing activities. These zones are classified considering factors like soil, rainfall, temperature, water, and human resources. Here are the simplified names of these zones :

1. Tarai
2. Western Plain
3. Central-Western Plain
4. South-Western Semi-Arid Plain
5. Central Plain
6. Bundelkhand
7. North-Eastern Plain
8. Eastern Plain
9. Vindhyan

Major crops grown in Uttar Pradesh :

• Food grains: rice, wheat, maize, millet, gram, peas, and lentils
• Oilseeds: groundnut, mustard, and soybean
• Sugarcane
• Fruits: mango, guava, muskmelon, watermelon, amla, and banana
• Vegetables: potato, peas, tomato, onion, and garlic

Problems of agriculture in UP

Agriculture plays a pivotal role in shaping the socioeconomic status, national polity, and overall quality of life for people. In the context of India, especially Uttar Pradesh, the agricultural sector has distinctive features. Below, I’ll outline some key challenges faced by agriculture in Uttar Pradesh :

1. Subsistent in Character

Even after 75 years of independence, Indian agriculture, particularly in regions like Uttar Pradesh, remains subsistence-oriented. Farmers primarily grow crops for their families’ consumption. Market-oriented agricultural practices are prevalent in specific irrigated areas such as western Uttar Pradesh.

2. Heavy Pressure of Population

The Indian agriculture is characterised by heavy pressure of population. About 58 per cent of the total population of the country is dependent on agriculture while apparently 65% of UP population dependent on Agriculture. Uttar Pradesh occupies 7.33% of the country’s land area but bears the burden of 16.5% of the country’s population. Additionally, according to the 2011 census, 59.3% of the state’s total working population is employed in agriculture and allied sectors. The fast growth of population industrialization and urbanization are putting enormous pressure on arable land.

3. Predominance of Food Grains

In both the Kharif (summer) and Rabi (winter) seasons, grain crops occupy the greater proportion of the cropped area. Specifically, rice, maize, millets, bajra, ragi, oilseeds, and pulses are the dominant crops in the Kharif season, while wheat, gram, peas, lentil, and barley are the predominant crops in the Rabi season.

6. Small Size of Holdings and Fragmentation of Fields

INDIA No. Of operation holdings – 146.454 million. Area of operation holdings – 157.817 million hectare. Percentage share in total operational holdings are : Marginal – 68.5 % Small – 17.6 % Semi-medium – 9.6 % Medium – 3.8 % Large – 0.6 % Average size of holdings : Marginal – 0.38 hectare Small – 1.40 hectare Semi-medium – 2.69 hectare Medium – 5.57 hectare Large – 17.07 hectare Average size of operational holdings – 1.08 hectare

UTTAR PRADESH No. Of operation holdings – 23822000 Area of operation holdings — 17450000 hectare Percentage share in state’s total operational holdings are : Marginal – 80.18 % Small – 12.63 % Semi-medium – 5.51 % Medium – 1.58 % Large – 0.10 % Average size of holdings : Marginal – 0.38 hectare Small – 1.39 hectare Semi-medium – 2.71 hectare Medium – 5.51 hectare Large – 14.98 hectare Average size of operational holdings – 0.73 hectare

7. Other Problems :

• Limited Intensive Agriculture
• Primitive Technology
• State Agriculture is Labour Intensive
• Rain-fed Agriculture
• Less Area under Leguminous and Fodder Crops
• Tradition Bound
• Low Productivity & fertilisers
• Government Policy
• Lack of Definite Agricultural Land Use Policy
• Lack of Marketing and Storage Facilities
• Low Status of Agriculture in the Society
• Land Tenancy
• Poverty and Indebtedness of the Farmers
• Inadequacy of Extension Service
• Inadequate Agricultural Research and Education, Training, and Extension
• Soil Erosion and Soil Degradation
• unscientific methods of agriculture, inadequate irrigation facilities, less use of chemical fertilisers, insecticides, pesticides, less remunerative prices of agricultural products, poverty, hunger, and malnutrition of farmers and lack of infrastructural facilities like roads, water, irrigation, electricity, credit, banking, and crop insurance.

Solutions

To enhance agriculture in Uttar Pradesh, several key strategies can be implemented :

1. Promote Crop Diversification : Encourage farmers to cultivate a variety of crops, including fruits, vegetables, and oilseeds. This diversification can mitigate the risk of crop failures and boost farmers’ income.
2. Consolidate Landholdings : Provide incentives and subsidies for farmers to consolidate their landholdings, enhancing their viability and efficiency.
3. Expand Irrigation Facilities : Invest in expanding irrigation infrastructure to reduce dependency on monsoon rains, leading to increased agricultural productivity.
4. Facilitate Access to Quality Inputs and Technologies : Ensure farmers have access to affordable quality inputs and modern technologies, improving crop productivity and overall income.
5. Promote Agricultural Education : Educate farmers about innovative technologies and best practices through training programs and outreach initiatives.
6. Enhance Marketing Infrastructure : Improve marketing facilities for agricultural products, enabling farmers to secure better prices for their produce, thereby increasing their income.
7. Government Initiatives : The state government is actively encouraging agricultural diversification, investing in irrigation projects, providing subsidies for modern farming practices, establishing new markets, and promoting climate-resilient agriculture.
8. Private Sector Investment : Encourage private sector investment in agriculture to enhance productivity and post-harvest management practices.
9. Increase Irrigation Coverage : Invest in expanding irrigation coverage to reduce dependence on unpredictable monsoons and boost crop yields?
10. Develop Post-Harvest Infrastructure : Build cold storage and transportation facilities to minimize wastage, ensuring farmers can maximize their income.
11. Improve Access to Credit and Markets : Facilitate easy access to credit and markets for farmers, enabling them to invest in technology and effectively market their produce.
12. Provide Social Safety Nets : Implement social safety nets such as crop insurance and pension schemes to shield farmers from income shocks.
13. Subsidies for Inputs : Provide subsidies for essential inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides, making them more affordable for farmers.
14. Promote Organic Farming : Encourage organic farming through training and subsidies, promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
15. Encourage Investment : Offer incentives to attract private investors into the agricultural sector, fostering sustainable growth and resilience against climate change.

Budget, 2023-24 & Agriculture

A comprehensive initiative called “The Million Farmer’s School” has been launched across the entire province to educate farmers in the latest agricultural techniques. Under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture Scheme, a budget of Rs 631.93 crore has been allocated, aiming to promote sustainable agricultural practices. The Uttar Pradesh Millets Revival Scheme has received an allocation of Rs 55.60 crore, emphasizing the revival of millet cultivation in the state. In support of agricultural innovation, Rs 20 crore has been proposed for the Agritech Start-up Scheme, benefiting four agricultural universities. A budget of Rs 50 crore has been set aside for the establishment of Mahatma Buddha Agricultural and Scientific University in Kushinagar. Furthermore, approximately Rs 35 crore has been allocated for infrastructure development in Agricultural Universities located in Kanpur, Ayodhya, Banda, and Meerut. Teaching and learning activities have commenced at the Agriculture College (WAMPS) in Azamgarh, affiliated with Acharya Narendra Dev University of Agriculture and Technology, Ayodhya. Additionally, construction work is underway for the establishment of Agriculture College (WAMPS) in Gonda district. To boost the dairy sector, a budget of Rs 25 crore has been proposed for the implementation of the Uttar Pradesh Dairy Development and Dairy Product Promotion Policy 2022. For the Nand Baba Dairy Mission, a budget of Rs 61.21 crore has been proposed for the fiscal year 2023-24, aiming to enhance dairy farming practices. Addressing the welfare of vulnerable cattle, plans are in place to construct 187 large Gau-Sanrakshan Kendras, with 171 kendras already completed. Under the Prime Minister Matsya Sampada Scheme, Rs 257.50 crore has been allocated for the development of a wholesale fish market. Additionally, Rs 100 crore has been proposed to support the implementation of the Uttar Pradesh Food Processing Industry Policy 2022, encouraging growth in the food processing sector.

By integrating these measures, Uttar Pradesh can transform its agricultural landscape, ensuring sustainability, profitability, and resilience for farmers while addressing various challenges faced by the sector.

Production of agricultural crops in UP

Animal Husbandry in UP

Horticulture in UP and its impact on development of UP