CM Yogi pushes for sugarcane intercropping with oilseeds and pulses to boost agri growth

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called for large-scale adoption of oilseed- and pulse-based intercropping with sugarcane, describing it as the most effective way to propel the state’s agricultural growth. He said the model can multiply the earnings of sugarcane growers while strengthening farm resilience and improving year-round cash flow.

Why this matters

At a high-level review meeting, the chief minister emphasized that horizontal expansion of cultivable land is no longer feasible. To accelerate growth and support the state’s ambition of contributing to a trillion-dollar economy, productivity per unit area must rise. Intercropping sugarcane with high-value crops such as mustard, lentil, urad, and moong was highlighted as a practical pathway to achieve this.

• Additional production without sacrificing sugarcane yield
• Lower overall cultivation costs through shared inputs and field operations
• Steadier income across seasons, reducing dependence on a single harvest
• Better risk management against weather and price fluctuations

Mission-mode rollout (2026–27 to 2030–31)

The chief minister directed that the intercropping plan be executed in mission mode from 2026–27 through 2030–31, with a clear, year-wise roadmap. The aim is to scale adoption quickly and systematically, ensuring timely access to seed, extension support, and market linkages for oilseeds and pulses grown alongside sugarcane.

Scale and expected impact

Currently, sugarcane covers about 29.50 lakh hectares in Uttar Pradesh, including approximately 14.64 lakh hectares of newly sown area and 14.86 lakh hectares under ratoon. Introducing oilseeds and pulses across such a large footprint is expected to:

• Significantly increase total agricultural output without requiring additional land
• Boost farmer incomes by adding one or more marketable crops to the same field
• Strengthen self-reliance in edible oils and pulses at both state and national levels
• Add to the state’s Gross Value Added (GVA) through diversified production

Officials underscored that the model’s biggest strength is delivering additional crops, additional profit, and additional security—without compromising the core sugarcane yield. The approach is designed to be farmer-centric, focusing on practical crop mixes and field operations that fit local conditions.

From sectoral gains to statewide transformation

While the immediate beneficiaries will be sugarcane farmers, the chief minister stressed that the initiative should catalyze a broader transformation across the agricultural landscape. By aligning crop choices with market demand and agronomic suitability, and by promoting efficient resource use, intercropping can help diversify rural incomes and enhance climate resilience. The state will prepare a phased roadmap detailing agronomic packages, input supply, extension services, and procurement strategies to support steady, widespread adoption.

With structured implementation, intercropping is positioned as a cornerstone of the state’s growth strategy—delivering higher productivity per hectare, more stable incomes for farmers, and greater food and oilseed security, all within the existing land resources.