UP Government Announces ₹800 Subsidy on Potato Seeds for Farmers: Boost to Production and Income

Key Highlights:

• UP government announces ₹800 per quintal subsidy on departmental potato seeds.

• Farmers can buy seeds at ₹1,960–₹2,915 per quintal.

• 41,876 quintals of seeds available through Horticulture Department.

• Priority given to small and marginal farmers.

• Scheme aims to boost potato production and farmers’ income.

The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a new scheme to support farmers and promote potato cultivation across the state. Under this initiative, farmers will receive a subsidy of ₹800 per quintal on departmental potato seed rates for the year 2025–26. The aim is to provide high-quality and improved potato seeds at affordable prices and increase the state’s overall production and productivity.

Government’s Initiative to Support Farmers

The announcement was made by Dinesh Pratap Singh, Minister of State for Horticulture, Agricultural Marketing, Agricultural Foreign Trade, and Export, during a review meeting with Horticulture Department officials. He said the scheme will motivate farmers to cultivate more potatoes and enhance production capacity with better-quality seeds.

New Potato Seed Prices for Farmers

Currently, the departmental potato seed rates range between ₹2,760 and ₹3,715 per quintal, while private companies sell them between ₹2,500 and ₹3,500 per quintal. After applying the ₹800 subsidy, farmers will now be able to buy departmental potato seeds at ₹1,960 to ₹2,915 per quintal.

However, the Minister clarified that research institutions and government organizations will not be eligible for this discount. He also directed officials to ensure that the subsidy benefits reach farmers in all districts quickly and transparently.

Seeds to Be Distributed Through Horticulture Department

The Horticulture Department currently has 41,876 quintals of potato seeds stored for the current season. These seeds will be sold to farmers at cash prices so that they can also prepare their own seeds for upcoming years.

Uttar Pradesh is the leading potato-producing state in India, with potato cultivation spread across 6.96 lakh hectares. The state requires nearly 26 lakh metric tons of potato seeds each year and contributes 30–35% of India’s total potato production. Potato farming plays a vital role in the state’s economy, providing both employment opportunities and nutritional value.

How Farmers Can Avail the Subsidy

Farmers interested in buying potato seeds on subsidy can contact their district horticulture officers. The seeds will be available at cash prices through the department, ensuring fair distribution. The Yogi government’s objective is to make quality seeds accessible to every farmer, especially small and marginal farmers, at affordable rates.

The Minister emphasized that the distribution process will be timely, fair, and transparent, ensuring that the scheme’s benefits directly reach the intended beneficiaries.

Strengthening UP’s Agricultural Economy

This decision by the Uttar Pradesh government marks an important step toward strengthening the state’s agricultural economy. By offering affordable, quality potato seeds, the government aims to increase production, enhance farmers’ income, and boost self-sufficiency in seed availability.

With this subsidy, farmers have an excellent opportunity to expand potato cultivation, improve seed quality, and secure higher returns in the coming seasons. The initiative is expected to not only increase potato production but also empower farmers and contribute to the state’s economic growth.

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CMV360 Says

This ₹800 subsidy scheme by the Uttar Pradesh government will make quality potato seeds affordable, enhance productivity, and improve farmers’ income. With timely distribution and transparent implementation, it is set to strengthen the state’s agricultural economy and encourage more farmers to adopt improved seed varieties for sustainable growth.