Uttar Pradesh has allocated Rs 1,200 crore for its Food Security Mission in 2025 to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure food availability. The funds aim to improve irrigation, promote sustainable farming, and support small farmers. This move addresses rising food insecurity amid climate challenges and inflation, strengthening rural economies and nutritional outcomes across the state.
Uttar Pradesh’s 2025 Food Security Mission Gets Major Funding Push
Massive Financial Allocation
The Uttar Pradesh government has earmarked Rs 1,200 crore for the National Food Security Mission (NFSM) in 2025, a significant increase from last year’s Rs 950 crore. This funding, announced in the state’s budget on February 10, 2025, aims to bolster agricultural output and ensure food accessibility for its 240 million residents. The focus is on enhancing production of rice, wheat, pulses, and coarse cereals.
Tackling Food Insecurity
With food insecurity affecting 13.8% of UP’s population (approximately 33 million people) in 2023, as per the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) 2025 report, the state is prioritizing interventions. The funds will support hybrid seed distribution, soil health management, and pest control to mitigate the impact of erratic monsoons and rising food prices.
Irrigation and Infrastructure Development
A chunk of the budget, Rs 400 crore, is dedicated to improving irrigation facilities, including micro-irrigation systems and watershed management. This addresses the state’s dependence on rain-fed agriculture, which constitutes 60% of its farmland. Modernizing infrastructure aims to boost crop yields by 15% over the next two years, according to state agricultural officials.
Support for Small and Marginal Farmers
Over 80% of UP’s farmers are small or marginal, owning less than two hectares of land. The NFSM funds will provide subsidized inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and machinery. Training programs on climate-smart agriculture will also be rolled out, targeting 5 lakh farmers across 75 districts to enhance resilience against climate variability.
Sustainable Farming Practices
The mission emphasizes eco-friendly practices, with Rs 200 crore allocated for organic farming and integrated pest management. This aligns with global calls for sustainable agriculture, as highlighted in the SOFI 2025 report, which underscores the need for resilient food systems amid climate extremes. UP aims to certify 10,000 hectares as organic by 2026.
Combating Food Price Inflation
Food price inflation, a key driver of food insecurity, hit 6.5% in UP in 2024, as per the World Bank. The NFSM funds will stabilize supply chains by promoting local procurement and reducing post-harvest losses, estimated at 10% for grains. Cold storage and market linkages will be strengthened to ensure affordable food access.
Nutritional Security Focus
Beyond crop production, Rs 150 crore is allocated for nutri-cereals like millets to address malnutrition. With 47.4 million people in food-insecure households nationwide, UP’s initiative includes school feeding programs using locally sourced grains, benefiting 2 million children in 2025, per state education department data.
Digital and Technological Integration
The mission integrates technology, with Rs 100 crore for precision farming tools, drones, and soil health cards. Digital platforms will connect farmers to markets, reducing dependency on middlemen. This aligns with the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program’s emphasis on innovation for sustainable food systems.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, government announcements, and data from global food security reports like SOFI 2025 and World Bank updates. Information is sourced from credible platforms, including state budget documents and agricultural department releases. Readers are advised to verify details with official sources for accuracy.