Uttar Pradesh Boosts Market Infrastructure and Farmer Safety in New Budget

The 172nd meeting of the Uttar Pradesh State Agricultural Produce Market Council, chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, cleared a robust budget of ₹ 3,025.49 crore for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The package focuses on modernising agricultural markets, extending farmer safety nets, and widening the Chief Minister Farmer Student Scholarship Scheme.

Key decisions include upgrading market yards with essential services—drinking water, hygienic sanitation, and reliable illumination—to ensure transparent trading environments. The CM also promoted the PPP model for installing agri‑processing units within market premises, simplifying regulations to attract private capital and create rural employment.

The council was directed to integrate more mandis with the e-NAM portal, link farmers to the National Natural Farming Mission, and certify organic produce in each district. Revised income‑expenditure estimates for 2025-26 and the upcoming budget were approved, forecasting revenues of ₹ 2,228.59 crore against planned outlays of ₹ 3,025.49 crore.

Market committee earnings have climbed to ₹ 2,305.80 crore in 2025-26, up from ₹ 1,991.33 crore the previous year, marking a 15.79% increase. The budget earmarks funds for constructing new market infrastructure, repairing access routes, establishing rural haats, farmer markets, cattle‑shelter facilities, student hostels, and purchasing land for market committees. An additional allocation of ₹ 1,212.02 crore will fast‑track projects already approved.

Safety schemes received a major boost: the Chief Minister Farmer Accident Assistance Scheme and the Chief Minister Farm‑House Fire Assistance Scheme were extended to June 30, 2030, with a ₹ 30 crore provision for 2026-27 to ensure timely financial aid during accidents or fire incidents.

The council also approved measures to strengthen the Price Support Scheme for pulses and oilseeds by providing interest‑free working capital to cooperative societies, thereby improving procurement efficiency. These initiatives collectively aim to enhance farmer welfare, market efficiency, and rural livelihoods in Uttar Pradesh.