The Uttar Pradesh government has unveiled a comprehensive Kharif campaign that aims for a 12 percent increase in food grain and oilseed production during the 2025–26 season.
The state has set an ambitious production goal of 293 lakh metric tonnes, up from 260 lakh metric tonnes recorded in the previous season. This target marks not just an economic move, but a crucial step towards climate-resilient, sustainable farming in a state where agriculture underpins rural livelihoods. Officials confirmed that this ambitious yield growth is being supported through a combination of enhanced crop planning, increased cultivation of key staples such as maize and paddy, and a significant ramp-up in decentralised irrigation infrastructure. As part of this, 8,499 new farm ponds—small, cost-effective rainwater harvesting structures—are set to be constructed across all districts, including the water-stressed Bundelkhand region.
The announcement follows a detailed review of the state’s agricultural preparedness and water availability by senior state officials. A key objective is to make smallholder farmers less dependent on erratic monsoon patterns by enhancing on-farm water security through sustainable means. The strategy dovetails with broader efforts to align agriculture with low-carbon, nature-based solutions, boosting productivity without stressing already fragile groundwater reserves. Farm ponds are at the heart of this green transition. Officials involved in the planning describe them as multipurpose micro-reservoirs that can not only provide irrigation during dry spells but also support livestock and fish farming. “These structures capture rainwater directly and serve as a buffer during rainfall deficits. They are especially valuable in semi-arid zones where water scarcity has historically held back farm productivity,” stated an agriculture department official.
The government’s push is backed by funding under the National Agricultural Development Scheme, with allocations tailored to encourage equitable access. Already, 2,033 farm ponds have been completed this year, and the coming financial year will witness the rollout of the remaining target. District-wise implementation is being closely monitored, with online farmer registration mandated to ensure transparency and streamlined benefit distribution. The new Kharif strategy also emphasises timely supply of quality inputs. Divisional commissioners and district magistrates have been instructed to ensure uninterrupted access to certified seeds, fertilisers, and water-soluble nutrients. Agricultural officers are being deployed at the block and village levels to offer real-time technical advice, capacity-building support, and monitoring of sowing patterns. This handholding is critical to ensure that the yield targets are met sustainably.
Experts argue that this integrated approach could be transformative, particularly if implemented with precision and inclusivity. “Building irrigation resilience is central to doubling farmers’ income and lowering carbon intensity in agriculture,” noted an environmental policy analyst. “It’s not just about growing more, but about growing smarter—with less dependence on groundwater and chemical inputs, and more on decentralised water management.” Rainfed agriculture continues to dominate Uttar Pradesh’s landscape, and erratic monsoons in recent years have sharpened the urgency for such interventions. The promotion of crop diversification, particularly the shift towards maize in rainfed belts, is expected to cushion farmers against market and climate shocks. Paddy, which is water-intensive, is being encouraged primarily in areas with existing canal and pond-based irrigation.
The state’s renewed focus on crop planning also intersects with its climate goals. By promoting micro-irrigation and local water storage systems, the government is seeking to reduce energy consumption related to deep borewells and diesel-powered pumps. These steps also align with national efforts to mainstream sustainable agriculture under India’s climate action commitments. Officials are also working to strengthen institutional support for farmers. Training camps will be held at the village level ahead of the sowing season, focusing on sustainable agronomic practices, integrated pest management, and the judicious use of fertilisers. Special focus will be given to women and marginal farmers to ensure equitable access to knowledge and state incentives.
Additionally, the digital interface of the scheme has been overhauled to promote transparency. The online registration platform for the farm pond scheme is expected to reduce delays and allow for real-time tracking of construction, usage, and maintenance. Field officers will be equipped with mobile-based tools to geo-tag ponds and ensure that quality standards are met on-site. This renewed push comes at a time when rural distress remains a pressing concern in India’s most populous state. While crop production has generally risen over the past few years, fluctuating prices, erratic rainfall, and input cost inflation have continued to erode farmers’ profitability. The present Kharif strategy attempts to address these challenges through an infrastructure-led productivity model with a strong emphasis on climate resilience.
Yet, challenges remain. Ensuring the construction of over 8,000 farm ponds in a single season will require swift inter-departmental coordination, community mobilisation, and on-ground execution. There is also the risk of elite capture or misallocation if monitoring systems fail to keep pace with the rollout. Despite these hurdles, the overall sentiment among stakeholders remains cautiously optimistic. “This model has the potential to transform agriculture in high-risk regions if implemented equitably and monitored rigorously,” said an agriculture economist based in Lucknow. “It could become a benchmark for other Indian states grappling with water stress and low farm incomes.”
With sowing scheduled to begin shortly, all eyes will be on how effectively the new systems translate policy into ground-level impact. If successful, Uttar Pradesh’s Kharif campaign could emerge as a model of inclusive and climate-smart agricultural growth—paving the way for both food security and farmer prosperity in a warming world.
UP govt sets 12 percent Kharif growth target to aid farmers
