Lucknow, October 21: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday flagged off 1000 quintal wheat seed aid vehicles from his official residence to assist the flood-affected farmers of Punjab.
On this occasion, he said that the festival of Diwali is being celebrated with great enthusiasm, joy, and peace. The true joy of the festival lies in uniting with the suffering and standing up for them. With this spirit, the Uttar Pradesh government stands with the farmers of Punjab in this difficult time.
Chief Minister Yogi said that the farmers of Punjab will not face the disaster alone. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the double-engine government (Government of India and Government of Uttar Pradesh) stands with every disaster-affected citizen. Whether it’s assistance in the form of relief material, financial support, or rehabilitation efforts, he said, “Together, we will empower farmers, make them self-reliant, and prosperous.”
The Uttar Pradesh government stands with everyone in need. In his address, the Chief Minister stated that Punjab is a key state in our country. Punjab has played a historic role in achieving the goal of agricultural self-reliance in independent India. This year’s excessive rainfall has severely impacted public life. Even the seed reserves stored by farmers were destroyed in the floods, which is likely to have a serious impact on future crops. In this spirit, the Agriculture Department and the Uttar Pradesh Seeds and Development Corporation are sending 2,500 bags, or 1,000 quintals, of wheat seed to Punjab today.
Chief Minister recalled that when floods struck Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, the Uttar Pradesh government sent relief material to these states and also provided funds from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. He stated that the Uttar Pradesh government has always stood with everyone in need during any natural disaster and will continue to do so.
Chief Minister informed that the 1,000 quintals of wheat seed being sent to Punjab farmers is of the “BB-327” variety, also known as Karan Shivani. This disease-resistant, bio-fortified, and nutritious variety matures in just 155 days and is capable of yielding approximately 80 quintals per hectare.
He said that this seed will not only prove helpful to Punjab’s farmers but also symbolizes the progress and efficiency of the Uttar Pradesh Seeds and Development Corporation. He said that when the current government took office, the corporation was in a very poor state. Today, the corporation operates with a dividend of approximately โน148 crore and has earned a net profit of โน37 crore in just one year.
Chief Minister said that this is proof that if institutions work with dedication and honesty, they can not only generate profits but also make a significant contribution to making farmers self-reliant.
The Chief Minister said that our farmers and our institutions are jointly strengthening the foundation of a self-reliant India. In this vein, a “Seed Park” will soon be established in Lucknow in memory of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh. All formalities have been completed.
Chief Minister said that along with Diwali, the birth anniversary of Guru Hargobind Ji Maharaj, the sixth Guru of the Sikh tradition, is also being celebrated in Punjab, the holy land of Gurus. His life inspires service, sacrifice, and philanthropy. He set an unparalleled example of service to humanity by freeing more than 52 kings from captivity.
Chief Minister explained that it is said that when Guru Hargobind Maharaj reached the Golden Temple, lamps were lit throughout Punjab to celebrate his arrival. Just as Diwali is celebrated when Lord Shri Ram returns to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile, this festival of lights is also celebrated in Punjab to commemorate the arrival of Guru Hargobind Ji Maharaj. On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all the brothers and sisters of Punjab, especially the farmers who provide food. May this auspicious occasion of Diwali and the birth anniversary of Guru Hargobind Ji Maharaj infuse new energy, cooperation, and compassion in all our lives.