Training initiative for sugarcane farmers in Lucknow

In Lucknow, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized the importance of supporting sugarcane farmers. He has directed officials to train farmers using master trainers in every district. The local agricultural centers, known as krishi vigyan kendras, will play a key role in this training. During a review meeting of the cane development department, the CM highlighted that over Rs 23,173 crore has already been paid to sugarcane farmers this crushing season, which is 82% of the total owed amount. In the past eight years, the government has paid Rs 2,80,223 crore to about 46.5 lakh farmers, a significant increase compared to the payments made from 1995 to March 2017. Yogi Adityanath also proposed developing new sugarcane seed species using tissue culture to boost productivity. He called for accountability in cooperative sugar mills to help them become profitable. He suggested renovating cooperative sugarcane development committee buildings and recognizing successful farmers at events. The CM stressed the need for better basic facilities for farmers at sugar mills. This includes setting up seating areas, drinking water supplies, and affordable canteens. He also pointed out the importance of pest and disease control in sugarcane crops to enhance productivity. Furthermore, he called for strengthening research complexes in Shahjahanpur, Sevarhi, and Muzaffarnagar by ensuring adequate technical staff and enhancing operations. He directed that sugar mills be developed into Integrated Sugar Complexes to improve efficiency. Cabinet minister Laxmi Narayan Chaudhary and senior officials were present at the meeting.