Uttar Pradesh Budget 2026-27 Allocates Rs 10,888 Crore for Agriculture and Rs 25,500 Crore for Rural Development

The Uttar Pradesh government has outlined its financial plans for 2026-27, focusing on agriculture, rural development, and Panchayati Raj. Finance Minister Suresh Khanna presented the budget, which includes Rs 10,888 crore for agriculture, Rs 25,500 crore for rural development, and Rs 32,090 crore for Panchayati Raj. These allocations aim to bolster infrastructure and achieve Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

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In agriculture, the state has increased its allocation by 20% from the previous year. The production targets are set at 753.55 lakh metric tonnes of foodgrains and 48.18 lakh metric tonnes of oilseeds. Key provisions include Rs 155 crore for aquaculture infrastructure under the UP-AGREES project and Rs 245 crore for agri-export hubs.

Rural Development Initiatives

For rural development, significant funds have been earmarked for various schemes. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) will receive Rs 5,544 crore, while the National Rural Livelihood Mission is allocated Rs 4,580 crore. Additionally, Rs 6,102 crore is set aside for the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin to complete housing projects.

The Panchayati Raj sector sees a substantial increase in funding with Rs 32,090 crore allocated. This is a 67% rise compared to the previous year. The Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin Phase II will receive Rs 2,823 crore. Other provisions include Rs 454 crore for digital libraries and Rs 130 crore for rural stadiums and open gyms.

Agricultural Advancements

Under the UP Seed Self-Reliance Policy 2024, a Seed Park will be developed with a proposed budget of Rs 251 crore. The Pt Deendayal Upadhyay Kisan Samriddhi Yojana is allocated Rs 103 crore. Horticulture and food processing sectors are also prioritised with a budget of Rs 2,832 crore, including funds for the National Horticulture Mission and micro food processing enterprises.

Sugarcane development remains crucial with over 47 lakh farmers cultivating cane across 29.51 lakh hectares in the 2024-25 season. The state's sugar mills processed over 956 lakh tonnes of cane, producing more than 92 lakh tonnes of sugar. Modernisation efforts have increased crushing capacity significantly.

Dairy and Livestock Development

Dairy development receives attention with a new dairy plant proposed in Mathura at a cost of Rs 23 crore. Additionally, Rs 107 crore is allocated for forming new dairy committees and reorganising existing ones. For livestock maintenance, Rs 2,000 crore is proposed for stray cattle care and Rs 100 crore for cow protection centres.

In fisheries, funds are allocated under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana with Rs 195 crore and Rs 115 crore for male and female components respectively. An integrated aqua park will receive Rs 190 crore alongside a modern fish wholesale market and fish processing centres.

The state continues to integrate technology with governance through initiatives like "One Family, One Identity." This programme has generated Family IDs for four crore families and integrated key schemes from various departments into a central database.

With inputs from PTI