Income of sugarcane farmers increased from ₹52,000 to ₹1.20 lakh under Yogi government: Agriculture Minister

Sugarcane farmers received a record payment of ₹3.15 lakh crore during the Yogi govt: Surya Pratap Shahi

Minister: Sugarcane farmers did not receive payments for up to 34 months during the Akhilesh govt

Electricity supply during Akhilesh Yadav’s govt was limited to a few VIP districts: Surya Pratap Shahi

Lucknow, April 2026 : Agriculture Minister Surya Pratap Shahi said that under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, farmers’ income in Uttar Pradesh has increased from ₹52,000 to ₹1.20 lakh. He added, “Farmers were in distress during Akhilesh Yadav’s government.” He alleged that when Akhilesh Yadav was in power, governance was ineffective. Despite claims of ensuring MSP payments within 24 hours, the system was riddled with irregularities, and even after 34 months, sugarcane dues were not cleared.

He said that during Akhilesh Yadav’s tenure, there was alleged collusion between the government and mill owners, which led to delays in payments to sugarcane farmers.

He added, “In contrast, under the Yogi government over the past nine years, payments are being made within 8 to 10 days. Uttar Pradesh now contributes about 55 percent to the country’s total sugarcane production.”

The minister stated, “During the Akhilesh government, sugarcane prices were around ₹300 per quintal and payments were made in three installments, which farmers still remember as exploitation. The Yogi government increased the price to ₹400 per quintal and ensured regular payments. So far, a record ₹3.15 lakh crore has been paid to sugarcane farmers.”

He further said, “The Yogi government has waived electricity bills of more than 1.6 million farmers and ensured adequate power supply. Irrigation facilities have been expanded through tube wells and solar panels. The long-pending Saryu project has been completed, increasing irrigation coverage by 1.4 million hectares. Procurement at MSP is being carried out, ensuring fair prices for farmers’ produce.”

The minister said, “Farmers’ trust in the Yogi government and agriculture has increased, and Uttar Pradesh is making significant progress in the sector. The state is producing approximately 425 lakh metric tonnes of wheat, 211 lakh metric tonnes of rice, and 245 lakh metric tonnes of potatoes. Oilseed production has reached a record 48 lakh metric tonnes, along with growth in fruits and vegetables.”

He added, “Ethanol production from sugarcane has strengthened sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh, making payments to farmers easier.”

Criticizing Akhilesh Yadav, he said, “While in power, he showed little interest in governance and now makes unrealistic promises in opposition.” He remarked that people have already experienced the difficulties under his government and will not bring it back to power.

Surya Pratap Shahi said, “During Akhilesh Yadav’s tenure, people faced power shortages, with uninterrupted supply limited to certain districts like Kannauj, Etawah, and Rampur, while others remained in darkness. These policies were criticized by the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court.”

He added that lectricity tariffs were increased by up to 60% during that period, and accused Akhilesh Yadav of making insincere claims, while asserting that the Modi and Yogi governments are working in the interest of farmers.