Uttar Pradesh, which is one of the most prominent producers of Wheat, Rice, Maize,  and Potato is seeing a rise in the growth of medicinal crops. The Yogi Adityanath led BJP government has rolled out a new scheme which is helping farmers from Moradabad Mandal to switch to medicinal crops. The switch has paid the farmers well.  The medicinal crops that the farmers growing include Basil, Asparagus, and Aloe Vera.

The government with this move aims to grow 35 hectares of Asparagus, 55 hectares of Basil, and 20 hectares of Aloe Vera.

Speaking to ANI, Harjeeth Singh, in-charge of the Horticulture Department said, “Under Medicinal Crops Scheme, the government provides almost 30 per cent discount to farmers. Like in Aloe Vera crop, the cost comes to close to Rs 56,000 per hectare and the government gives Rs 16,000 to him directly through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Scheme.” He also said that the benefits are in the process and will reach the farmers shortly.

Some of the farmers of Moradabad Mandal started growing medicinal crops without the government’s aid only to get benefits from the government. They have also expressed their satisfaction shifting from traditional crops to medicinal crops.

Sukhi, a farmer spoke to ANI and said, “I have sown asparagus in 19 bigahs, 12 bigahs of Tulsi and 16 bigahs of Kalmegh (green chireta). These crops will be sold for the production of traditional herbal medicines. They are sold off to big cities like Delhi, Aligarh. I have started sowing these for the past 5-6 months and I am happy with the returns.”  

The main aim of this switch is to make agriculture lucrative for the farmers and help them to end their financial distress. It is the right time to implement such schemes as they are needed desperately needed by the people and the economy of the country. 

Also Read: Uttar Pradesh Is Home To India’s First Agriculture-Based Primary School For Girls