Agriculture plays a crucial role in Uttar Pradesh’s economy. Here’s a simplified overview to help you understand its importance and structure:

Table of Contents

Importance of Agriculture

Economic Foundation: Agriculture is the backbone of Uttar Pradesh’s economy. Approximately 59.3% of the state’s population works in agriculture.
Foodgrains Production: Uttar Pradesh is the leading producer of foodgrains in India, contributing about 19.87% of the country’s total production.

Major Agricultural Products

The state grows a variety of crops. Some of the key ones are:

Wheat
Sugarcane
Oilseeds
Rice
Potatoes
Maize
Barley
Bajra

Agricultural Monitoring

The Uttar Pradesh Council of Agricultural Research, located in Lucknow, oversees and monitors agricultural activities across the state.

Irrigation

Irrigation is essential for reducing the dependence of crops on rainfall. It helps in maintaining consistent crop production.

Top Producers

As of 2016-17, Uttar Pradesh ranks among the top three producers in India for the following crops:

Wheat
Foodgrains
Sugarcane
Potatoes
Rice

Agro-Climatic Regions of Uttar Pradesh

The state is divided into nine agro-climatic regions based on various factors that affect agriculture. Here’s a brief overview of each region:

1. Bhabar and Terai Region

Includes: Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Bijnor, Moradabad, Rampur, Bareilly, Pilibhit, Lakhimpur-Kheri, Bahraich, Shravasti

2. Central Western Plains

Includes: Bareilly, Moradabad

3. Western Plains

Includes: Meerut division and surrounding areas

4. Southern-Western Semi-Arid Plain

Includes: Agra division and nearby areas

5. Central Plain

Includes: Kanpur, Lucknow, Fatehpur regions

6. Bundelkhand Region

Includes: Jhansi, Chitrakoot divisions

7. Northern-Eastern Plain

Includes: Gorakhpur division, Gonda

8. Eastern Plain

Includes: Varanasi, Faizabad, Azamgarh divisions, and parts of Allahabad division

9. Vindhya Region

Includes: Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Southern Allahabad

Crop Production in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is known for its diverse agricultural production, which is categorized into three main types of crops: Rabi, Kharif, and Zaid crops. Let’s break down each type and understand their characteristics and significance.

Rabi Crops

Rabi crops are sown in the winter season (October to December) and harvested between February and April. These crops typically need less water and moderate temperatures.

Key Rabi Crops

Wheat

Coverage: Grown on about 24% of the state’s agricultural land.
Production: Uttar Pradesh is the leading producer of wheat in India.
Requirements:
Rainfall: 50 cm to 75 cm.
Temperature: 10°C to 15°C during sowing.
Main Regions:
Ganga-Yamuna Doab: Gorakhpur, Meerut, Bulandshahr, Saharanpur, Agra, Aligarh, Muzaffarnagar, Moradabad, Kanpur, Etawah, Farrukhabad, Fatehpur.
Note: High rainfall in Eastern and North-Eastern districts can reduce wheat yield.

Gram

Coverage: Largest growing crop among cereals in the state.
Requirements:
Rainfall: 30 cm to 50 cm.
Temperature: 15°C to 25°C during sowing.
Main Regions: Banda, Hamirpur, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Jalaun, Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Kanpur, Fatehpur, Sitapur, Barabanki, Allahabad, Agra.
Note: Hamirpur is the largest producer of gram.

Mustard

Coverage: Largest among oilseed crops in Uttar Pradesh.
Production: The state is the second-largest producer of mustard in India.
Main Regions: Gonda, Bahraich, Mirzapur, Saharanpur, Sonbhadra, Kanpur, Sitapur, Etah, Meerut, Faizabad, Etawah, Sultanpur, Mathura, Aligarh, Bulandshahr.

Barley

Coverage: Grown in sandy and alluvial soils.
Production: Uttar Pradesh is the second-largest producer of barley in India.
Main Regions: Varanasi, Azamgarh, Jaunpur, Ballia, Mau, Ghazipur, Gorakhpur, Etah, Allahabad, Pratapgarh.

Kharif Crops

Kharif crops are planted at the start of the monsoon (May to July) and harvested at the end of the monsoon (September to October). These crops require high temperatures and abundant water.

Key Kharif Crops

Rice

Production: Uttar Pradesh is the second-largest producer of rice in India.
Coverage: Grown on 18% of the cultivable land.
Requirements:
Temperature: 20°C during sowing; 27°C during harvesting.
Rainfall: 75 cm to 125 cm.
Main Regions: Terai region (Shravasti, Maharajganj, Bahraich, Kushinagar, Deoria, Balrampur, Shahjahanpur, Ballia, Pilibhit, Saharanpur, Mau, Varanasi, Lucknow) with Shahjahanpur being a major producer.

Jute

Coverage: Grown mainly in Terai Belt and Saryu-Ghaghara Doab.
Sowing & Harvesting: Sown in April-May, harvested in August-September.
Main Regions: Bahraich, Maharajganj, Deoria, Gorakhpur, Gonda, Sitapur, Lakhimpur-Kheri.

Sugarcane

Production: Uttar Pradesh is the top producer of sugarcane in India.
Coverage: Grown on 13% of the total cultivable land.
Requirements:
Temperature: 20°C to 26°C.
Rainfall: 100 cm to 200 cm.
Main Regions:
Terai Belt: Rampur, Bareilly, Pilibhit, Sitapur, Lakhimpur-Kheri, Gonda, Faizabad, Azamgarh, Mau, Jaunpur, Basti, Ballia, Maharajganj, Deoria, Gorakhpur.
Ganga-Yamuna Doab: Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Saharanpur, Moradabad. Muzaffarnagar is a major producer.

Cotton

Coverage: Grown in Ganga-Yamuna Doab, Rohilkhand, and Bundelkhand regions.
Sowing & Harvesting: Sown in June-July, harvested in October-November.
Main Regions: Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, Aligarh, Agra, Firozabad, Etawah, Kanpur, Rampur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Mathura, Mainpuri, Farrukhabad.

Arhar (Pigeon Pea)

Importance: Significant cereal crop in the state.
Main Regions: Varanasi, Jhansi, Lalitpur, Allahabad, Hamirpur, Lucknow. Hamirpur is the largest producer.

Bajra

Coverage: Grown in arid regions with less than 50 cm rainfall.
Sowing & Harvesting: Sown in May-July, harvested in September-December.
Main Regions: Agra, Aligarh, Moradabad, Mathura, Budaun, Firozabad, Etawah, Mainpuri, Kanpur, Ghazipur, Farrukhabad, Pratapgarh. Aligarh is the largest producer.

Groundnut

Coverage: Grown on a small scale.
Sowing & Harvesting: Sown in June-July, harvested in November-December.
Main Regions: Sitapur, Hardoi, Etah, Badaun, Moradabad.

Maize

Production: Uttar Pradesh is the third-largest producer of maize in India.
Main Regions: Meerut, Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, Farrukhabad, Gonda, Jaunpur, Etah, Firozabad, Mainpuri. Mainpuri is the largest producer.

Zaid Crops

Zaid crops are sown between the Rabi and Kharif seasons, specifically from March to April, and harvested from June to July. These crops thrive in warm, dry weather.

Key Zaid Crops

Watermelon
Muskmelon
Bitter Gourd
Pumpkin
Cucumber
Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables

Other Crops of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is renowned for a variety of crops beyond the major Rabi, Kharif, and Zaid crops. Here’s a look at other significant crops and their cultivation details.

Specialty Crops

Tea

Regions: Terai regions.
Main Districts: Deoria, Siddharthnagar, Pilibhit.

Opium

Production: Barabanki is the largest producer in the state.
Other Areas: Ghazipur, which also houses the only opium factory in the state.

Linseed

Main Districts: Mirzapur, Sonbhadra, Allahabad (Prayagraj), Gonda, Hamirpur, Bahraich.

Tobacco

Main Districts: Meerut, Varanasi, Saharanpur, Ghaziabad, Bulandshahr, Mainpuri.
Uses: Smoking and eating.

Horticultural Crops

Fruit Production

Mango

Regions: Central and Western districts.
Main Districts: Lucknow, Bareilly, Meerut, Ghaziabad, Kanpur, Saharanpur, Hardoi.
Varieties: Dasheri, Langra, Safeda (Malihabadi mango).

Guava

Main Districts: Allahabad, Bareilly, Faizabad.
Varieties: Safeda, Dholka, Halfji (Lucknow), Karela (Allahabad).

Banana

Main Districts: Varanasi, Allahabad, Gorakhpur, Kaushambi.
Requirements: Fertile soil, heavy rainfall, high temperature.
Varieties: Mal-Bhog Chini, Champa, Alfan, Adheshwar, Dudhsagar, Sabja.
Note: First ripening chamber in Allahabad for banana.

Lemon

Regions: Mainly in Bundelkhand and generally across the state.

Papaya

Main Districts: Saharanpur, Unnao, Lucknow, Faizabad.

Watermelon

Region: Grown in river valleys like Ganga, Saryu, Gomati.

Orange

Main Districts: Saharanpur, Bundelkhand region.
Varieties: Desi Nagpuri, Empdar, Laddu.

Malta

Main Districts: Meerut, Varanasi, Saharanpur.
Varieties: Mausammi, Blood Red.

Lichi

Main Districts: Saharanpur, Meerut.

Saftalu (Peach)

Region: Western districts and Lucknow.

Amla (Indian Gooseberry)

Importance: Known for medicinal values, a cash crop.
Main Districts: Pratapgarh, Raebareli, Sultanpur, Jaunpur.

Vegetables and Spices

Potato

Production: Uttar Pradesh ranks first in India, producing around 40% of the country’s potatoes.
Main Districts: Agra, Firozabad, Aligarh, Hathras, Mathura, Farrukhabad, Kannauj, Etawah, Kanpur, Meerut, Hapur, Budaun, Rampur.
Research: Central Potato Research Institute in Meerut.
Export Zones: Lucknow, Saharanpur, Agra (Agra for potato export, known as Taj Brand).
Scheme: Aaloo Vikas Neeti, 2014 to enhance production and marketing.

Turmeric and Ginger

Production: Uttar Pradesh leads in production of both.
Region: Mainly in Bundelkhand.

Onion and Garlic

Main Districts: Farrukhabad, Budaun, Mainpuri, Etawah, Kannauj, Etah, Firozabad.

Coriander and Aniseed

Main Districts: Deoria, Gorakhpur, Kushinagar, Azamgarh, Mau, Jaunpur, Sultanpur, Ambedkar Nagar, Faizabad.

Floriculture

Main Districts: Varanasi, Lucknow, Allahabad (Prayagraj), Mirzapur, Jaunpur.
Special Note: Kannauj for perfume production. Lucknow is one of the ideal flower-producing centers in India.

Medical and Scented Plants

Major Plants: Aloe Vera, Basil, Satawari, Sarpgandha, Shankhpushpi, Arjun, Khus.
Mentha:
Production: Major in Western districts (Barabanki, Budaun, Rampur, Kannauj, Jalaun, Auraiya, Etawah, Etah).
Output: Produces around 90% of India’s mentha oil.
Industry: Established in Rampur, Budaun, Barabanki.
Scheme: Jatropha Cloning Garden Scheme at Biotech Park in Bakshi Ka Talab region.

Betal Production

Regions: 21 districts including Mahoba, Banda, Unnao, Pratapgarh, Sultanpur, Raebareli, Ballia, Lucknow, Hardoi, Gorakhpur, Azamgarh, Barabanki, Kanpur.
Research Center: Established in 1981 in Mahoba.
Varieties: Mahoba Deshawari, Kalkatiya Kapuri Bangla, Magahi Sanchi, Banarasi, Sophiya, Ramtek, Mitha.

Jatropha

Uses: Oil extracted from seeds as a diesel alternative.
Scheme: Jatropha Cloning Garden Scheme implemented by Biotech Park.

State Agriculture Policy and Development Schemes in Uttar Pradesh

State Agriculture Policy, 2013

The State Agriculture Policy, 2013 was introduced to surpass the previous policy’s performance and enhance the growth rate of the agriculture sector. Here’s a summary of the policy’s vision and objectives:

Vision

Transform Uttar Pradesh into a “Granary of the Nation.”
Ensure food and nutritional security.
Improve the quality of village life through inclusive and sustainable growth.

Objectives

Growth Rate: Achieve a growth rate of 5.1% in the agriculture sector.
Eco-friendly Farming: Develop sustainable farming systems that improve soil health and farm income.
Resource Conservation: Conserve natural resources to maintain ecological balance.
Farmer Income: Increase farmers’ income through diversification into high-value activities while ensuring food and nutritional security.
Infrastructure Development: Improve infrastructure for seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, agriculture implements, extension services, food processing, and marketing with private sector involvement.

Agricultural Development Schemes

Consolidation Programme

Started: 1954.
Purpose: Increase agricultural production and productivity by consolidating fragmented land and establishing public infrastructure like schools and hospitals.

Integrated Scheme of Oilseeds, Pulses, Oilpalm, and Maize (ISOPOM)

Started: 1986 (as Technology Mission on Oilseeds, later restructured in 2004).
Purpose: Increase production and productivity of oilseeds, pulses, oilpalm, and maize to achieve self-reliance.

Kisan Bahi Yojana

Started: 1992.
Purpose: Provide landholders with detailed information about land holdings, including sales, mortgage, and lease details.

Agricultural Development Project

Started: 1998.
Financed by: World Bank.
Purpose: Enhance agriculture and allied sectors through development in selected blocks across the state.

National Agricultural Insurance Scheme

Started: 1999-2000.
Purpose: Provide comprehensive risk insurance against yield losses due to natural calamities and pests in 71 districts of Uttar Pradesh.

Kisan Credit Card

Started: 1999-2000.
Purpose: Offer credit to farmers at low interest rates.

Farmer Friend Programme

Started: 2001.
Purpose: Support extension activities like farmer training, demonstrations, and setting up farm schools through grants to state governments.

Uttar Pradesh Beej Vikas Nigam

Started: 2002.
Purpose: Provide certified seeds at fair prices through a network of 14,000 producers.

Farmer Old Age Pension Scheme

Started: 2003.
Purpose: Provide a monthly pension of ₹500 to farmers over 60 years of age, including spouses.

Gramin Khadya Bank Yojana

Started: 2007.
Purpose: Provide free foodgrains and simple interest loans to beneficiaries in specific districts.

Kisan Hit Yojana

Started: 2007-08.
Purpose: Improve agricultural land development.

National Agricultural Development Scheme

Started: 2007.
Purpose: Achieve a 4% growth rate in agriculture and implement schemes based on district and state resources.

Aam Aadmi Bima Yojana

Started: 2008.
Purpose: Provide insurance coverage to landless families below the poverty line with financial support for natural and accidental deaths, and scholarships for children.

National Land Record Modernisation Programme

Started: 2008-09.
Purpose: Update land records, automate mutations, integrate records, and enhance connectivity between revenue and registration departments.

Janeshwar Mishra Gram Yojana

Started: 2012.
Purpose: Develop infrastructure in selected villages with provisions for roads, drainage, water, and electricity.

Beej Gram Yojana

Started: 2012-13.
Purpose: Provide quality seeds to farmers.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana

Started: 2016.
Purpose: Offer crop insurance with a uniform premium rate for various crops.

Fruit Belt Development Scheme

Current Status: In operation in 15 districts.
Focus: Develop mango, guava, and amla belts.

Parks and Call Centre

Agriculture Parks

Locations: Hapur, Varanasi, Lucknow, Saharanpur.

Food Park

Location: Noida.

Agricultural Export Zones

Mango Zones:
Lucknow: Includes Lucknow, Sitapur, Barabanki, Hardoi, Unnao.
Saharanpur: Includes Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur, Meerut, Baghpat, Bulandshahr, Bijnor.
Potato Zone:
Agra: Includes Agra, Kannauj, Hathras, Farrukhabad, Meerut.

Kisan Call Centre

Purpose: Resolve technical issues for farmers via toll-free helpline number 1551.

FAQs

1. In which of the following places is the Uttar Pradesh Agricultural Research Council located?
ANSWER: Lucknow

2. How many agro-climatic zones is Uttar Pradesh divided into?
ANSWER: 9

3. Uttar Pradesh is not the largest producer of which of the following?
ANSWER: Rice

4. Uttar Pradesh ranks first in India in the production of which combination?
ANSWER: Wheat-Sugarcane

5. Uttar Pradesh is not the largest producer of which of the following?
ANSWER: Flowers

6. The largest producer of wheat in India is which state?
ANSWER: Uttar Pradesh

7. In which of the following districts of Uttar Pradesh is wheat produced?
ANSWER: All of the above

8. Which of the following cereal crops has the largest area in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Gram

9. The largest producer of Gram in Uttar Pradesh is which district?
ANSWER: Hamirpur

10. The rank of Uttar Pradesh in the production of Barley in India is?
ANSWER: 2nd

11. The Kharif crop is grown in Uttar Pradesh during which months?
ANSWER: May-July

12. The rank of Uttar Pradesh in the production of Rice in India is?
ANSWER: Second

13. Which of the following districts cultivates Jute crops?
ANSWER: Deoria and Gorakhpur

14. The most important cash crop of Uttar Pradesh is?
ANSWER: Sugarcane

15. Uttar Pradesh is one of the main producers of which of the following?
ANSWER: Sugarcane

16. In Sugarcane production, Uttar Pradesh is at which place among the Indian states?
ANSWER: First

17. Cotton is grown in Uttar Pradesh in which region?
ANSWER: All of the above

18. The largest producer of Arhar in Uttar Pradesh is which district?
ANSWER: Hamirpur

19. The largest producer of Bajra in Uttar Pradesh is which district?
ANSWER: Aligarh

20. Which of the following crops takes more time due to arid climate?
ANSWER: Cotton

21. Tea is cultivated in which districts of Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: All of these

22. The largest producer of Opium in Uttar Pradesh is which district?
ANSWER: Ghazipur

23. Malihabad of Uttar Pradesh is famous for which of the following?
ANSWER: Dasheri Mango

24. The main producer of Orange in Uttar Pradesh is which district?
ANSWER: Saharanpur

25. The largest producer of Amla in Uttar Pradesh is which district?
ANSWER: Pratapgarh

26. The Central Potatoes Research Institute is located in which place?
ANSWER: Meerut

27. In Uttar Pradesh, which crop is known as ‘Taj Brand’?
ANSWER: Potato

28. In which districts of Uttar Pradesh are flowers used to produce scents and perfumes?
ANSWER: Kannauj

29. In the Uttar Pradesh Agriculture Policy, 2013, what target has been set for the growth rate in the agriculture sector?
ANSWER: 5.1%

30. In which year was the Kisan Bahi Yojana started in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: 1992

31. When was the ‘Farmer Old Age Pension Scheme’ started in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: 2nd October, 2003

32. The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana was started in which year?
ANSWER: 2016

33. Uttar Pradesh is the largest producer of which crops?
ANSWER: Wheat, Potato, Sugarcane

34. Uttar Pradesh is the largest producer of which of the following crops?
ANSWER: Sugarcane

35. Consider the following statements: Wheat production is everywhere in Uttar Pradesh except Northern hilly and Southern plateau region. Mirzapur is the highest producer of wheat in the state. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
ANSWER: Only I

36. Consider the following statements: In terms of production of sugarcane, Uttar Pradesh is ranked first in the country. Sugarcane is mainly grown in Terai Belt and Ganga Yamuna Doab. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
ANSWER: Both I and II

37. Consider the following statements: Maize is a rainfed crop. Maize is mainly used in starch, glucose and soft drinks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
ANSWER: Both I and II

38. Consider the following statements in respect of why Uttar Pradesh is known as ‘Sugar Bowl of India’: Uttar Pradesh is the largest producer of sugarcane. Uttar Pradesh has the largest number of sugar mills. Sugarcane is sown on 13% of the total cultivable land in the state. Which of the following is correctly explained the fact?
ANSWER: I and II