UP aims at kharif production of 174 lakh tonnes

LUCKNOW: Kharif sowing is about to begin in UP and the state government has targeted total production of 174 lakh tonnes as compared to 152 lakh tonnes last year. With the monsoon expected to reach t eh state in the next coupleo f days, the preparations for kharif sowing have started and the government has also geared up its machinery to ensure a good harvest.

The Agriculture Director, Mukesh Gautam said that they have targeted sowing of paddy on 59.60 lakh hectares and production of 135 lakh tonnes this year. Last year UP produced 119.40 lakh tones of rice and the state expects to increase it by 16 lakh tonnes on favourable weather conditions, which will result in a bumper harvest of paddy.

Maize acreage is aimed at 8.14 lakh hectares and production of 14.55 lakh tonnes

Similarly Bajara acreage is aimed at 9.50 lakh hectares and production is aimed at 16.80 lakh tonnes.

Mukesh Gautam said that total kharif sowing would be on about 87.62 lakh hectares as compared to 83 lakh hectares last year and they were hopeful of a bumper harvest this year.