On October 21, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath launched vehicles carrying wheat seed aid to support farmers in flood-affected regions of Punjab. In his Diwali greetings, he emphasized that the essence of any festival is in standing by those in distress. He assured that the Uttar Pradesh government is committed to assisting the farmer-heroes of Punjab during this challenging time, highlighting the support provided by the double-engine government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to every disaster-affected citizen through relief, financial aid, and rehabilitation. CM Yogi pointed out that Punjab has played a crucial role in India’s agricultural self-sufficiency, but this year’s excessive rainfall has severely disrupted lives and livelihoods, even destroying the seeds reserved for upcoming crops.
To help, the Uttar Pradesh Seeds Development Corporation is dispatching 2,500 sacks (1,000 quintals) of wheat seed to Punjab. He recalled that Uttar Pradesh had previously provided relief materials and financial assistance during floods in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The Chief Minister reaffirmed that the state government has always been—and will continue to be—there for those in need during natural disasters. The 1,000 quintals of wheat seed being sent to Punjab consists of the ‘BB-327’ variety, also known as Karan Shivani, which is disease-resistant, nutrient-rich, and matures in 155 days, yielding approximately 80 quintals per hectare.
This initiative not only supports flood-affected farmers but also showcases the progress and efficiency of the Uttar Pradesh Seeds and Development Corporation, which has improved significantly since the current government took office. Now generating a dividend of around Rs 148 crore and a net profit of Rs 37 crore in just one year, it exemplifies how dedicated and honest management can enhance profitability and strengthen farmers’ self-reliance. CM Yogi underscored that farmers and institutions are collaboratively establishing the foundation of a self-reliant India, with plans for a “Seed Park” in Lucknow, in honor of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh, alongside five more parks under development statewide.
He noted that timely access to improved, high-quality seeds minimizes costs and maximizes production, while delays or poor-quality seeds can reduce yields by 30–50%. Thanks to the corporation’s initiatives, Uttar Pradesh is on a steady path towards food grain self-sufficiency, contributing 21 percent to India’s total food grain production despite only occupying 11 percent of the country’s cultivable land, showcasing the efforts of UP’s farmers and the effectiveness of government policies. The Chief Minister also acknowledged that Punjab, the holy land of the Gurus, is celebrating the birth anniversary of the sixth Guru of Sikh tradition, Shri Guru Hargobind Ji Maharaj, alongside Diwali. He reflected on the Guru’s legacy of service, sacrifice, and benevolence, which serves as an inspiration.
CM Yogi remarked on the historical significance of Guru Hargobind Ji Maharaj’s arrival at Harmandir Sahib, likening it to Diwali celebrations in Ayodhya for Lord Shri Ram’s return after exile. He extended warm wishes to all residents of Punjab, particularly the farmer-heroes, hoping that the sacred occasions of Diwali and the Guru’s birth anniversary bring renewed energy, cooperation, and compassion into their lives. Present at the event were Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi, Minister of State Baldev Singh Aulakh, former minister and MLC Mahendra Singh, Vice-Chairman of Uttar Pradesh Seeds Development Corporation Rajeshwar Singh, Agriculture Production Commissioner Deepak Kumar, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Sanjay Prasad, Principal Secretary of Agriculture Ravindra Kumar, and other officials.
