Lucknow: The UP govt has decided to step up the availability of certified seeds to farmers by around 62% in the 2026-27 kharif season, signalling a major push toward improving agricultural productivity, crop quality and farmer incomes.According to agriculture department data, accessed by TOI, govt has set a target of channelling 1,99,910 quintals of seeds in 2026-27, which is almost 62% more than in 2025-26, when 1,23,379 quintals of seeds were made available to farmers.The supply of paddy seed, which is central to kharif season cultivation, will increase from 76,642 quintals in 2025-26 to 80,000 quintals this season. The focus is mainly on pulses and oilseeds, amid broader national efforts to reduce dependence on imports of edible oils and enhance domestic pulse production.Accordingly, the availability of groundnut seed is proposed to be increased by almost three times, from 19,949 quintals to 57,446 quintals this season.Among pulses, the seed availability of arhar is proposed to be increased by over four times, from 4,980 quintals in 2025-26 to 21,225 quintals this season. The urad seed availability is proposed to see nearly threefold increase from 7,685 quintals in 2025-26 to 23,958 quintals in the 2026-27 season.The millet seeds too are proposed to be wheeled out in an increased amount. For instance, the quantum of jowar seeds is proposed to be increased from 585 quintals in 2025-26 to 1,600 quintals this time. Bajra seeds would increase from 1,747 quintals to 1,972 quintals, and kodo would go up from 292 quintals to 775 quintals.The move comes amid UP govt’s focus on coarse cereals or ‘Shri Anna,’ in line with the Centre’s millet promotion campaign.UP agriculture minister Surya Pratap Shahi said that efforts were being made to ensure that farmers receive quality seeds “on time and in adequate quantity” before the onset of sowing operations. He said that seed consignments will reach distribution and sales centres by May 31.Shahi said state govt was also working on a seed policy envisaging production of seeds by farmers themselves.All certified seeds under the programme will be provided to farmers at 50% subsidy, a move expected to improve affordability and encourage the adoption of certified seed varieties over farm-saved seeds.A senior official said that more than 75,000 quintals of certified seeds have already been made available through various agencies.The state’s seed distribution drive is being implemented through multiple agencies, including agriculture department, cooperative department, IFFDC, HIL and BBSSL, indicating a coordinated institutional effort to widen outreach.The emphasis on advance stocking highlights govt’s attempt to avoid delays that often disrupt sowing schedules during the monsoon season. Agricultural experts note that timely seed availability is critical for improving germination rates and maximising yields, especially in rain-fed regions.Officials said the early movement in paddy seed distribution was aimed at prioritising preparedness ahead of monsoon-dependent transplantation activities, expected to begin in June.
