Yogi govt spurs surge in oilseeds, pulses & paddy cultivation across UP

Lucknow : Backed by targeted support and subsidies, Uttar Pradesh is witnessing a sharp rise in the cultivation of oilseeds and pulses. Under the Yogi government’s push for self-reliance in agriculture, the Kharif season has seen significant expansion in the acreage of sesame, groundnut, and soybean, according to the latest data from the Agriculture Department.

In 2024, the total area under oilseed crops stood at 432.25 thousand hectares, which has jumped to 547.14 thousand hectares in 2025—a growth of nearly 1.25 times. The most striking increase has been in sesame cultivation, which soared from 180.26 thousand hectares to 303 thousand hectares in just one year—an unprecedented surge highlighting the success of the state’s focused interventions.

Groundnut and soybean cultivation have also expanded. The area under soybean increased from 34.12 thousand hectares to 40 thousand hectares, while groundnut acreage rose from 204 thousand hectares to 218 thousand hectares.

In the pulses category, pigeon pea (arhar) remains the primary Kharif pulse and continues to be a farmer favorite. As sowing of some varieties extends into September, a further increase in acreage is anticipated. So far, the area under pigeon pea has grown significantly from 184 thousand hectares to 273 thousand hectares. Moong cultivation has also increased slightly, from 30,000 hectares to 32,000 hectares.

Meanwhile, the area under major Kharif crops, such as paddy and maize, has also increased. Paddy acreage rose from 4,193 thousand hectares to 5,546 thousand hectares, and maize from 636 thousand hectares to 701 thousand hectares. Farmer interest in cotton cultivation is also on the rise, with the area expanding from 7,000 hectares to 18,000 hectares.

Overall, the total area under Kharif crops in Uttar Pradesh has increased substantially from around 6,574 thousand hectares last year to 8,262 thousand hectares in the current season.