Latest news with #AmritSarovar
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Agri contribution to UP's economy up from 13.7% to 16.8% in 2023-24: Report
Lucknow: The primary sector, especially agriculture, has played an important role in improving the state's gross domestic product (GDP), according to a recent report on Uttar Pradesh 's District Domestic Product for 2023-24. The report says that the primary sector accounted for Rs 6.35 lakh crore in UP's GDP of Rs 25.63 lakh crore, out of which, Rs 3.96 lakh crore was contributed just by the crop sector. Prepared by the economics and statistics division of UP govt's planning department, the report says that the contribution of crops to the state's economy was 16.8% in 2023-24, registering a growth of 13.74% over the previous year. The top five districts in terms of volume of crops included Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, Barabanki, Bijnor, and Badaun. Similarly, the top five districts with highest growth in crops were Bhadohi, Jalaun, Kanpur Dehat, Rae Bareli, and Jhansi. The report highlighted that at least 37 districts registered a growth rate higher than the state average of 13.7%. Principal secretary, planning, Alok Kumar said that according to data, the crop sector's Gross State Value Added (GSVA) was largely driven by foodgrain, which contributed 40.68% to GSVA. The contribution of fruits and vegetables was 22.58% and sugarcane contributed 19.4% to GSVA. "UP consistently remained self-sufficient in foodgrain production and consistently maintained leading position in wheat and sugarcane production at the national level. In 2023-24, the state produced 6.68 crore tonnes of foodgrain and 3.98 crore tons of wheat, contributing 18.14% and 31.19% to India's total foodgrain and wheat production, respectively," Kumar said. In 2023-24, UP produced 2,495 lakh tonnes of sugarcane. The report suggests that interventions by the state govt helped in the growth of the sector through timely payments and efficient crushing. The top five districts contributing the most to sugarcane production are Lakhimpur Kheri (3.22 crore tonnes), Bijnor (2.37 crore tonnes), Sitapur (1.9 crore tonnes), Muzaffarnagar (1.68 crore tonnes), and Meerut (1.46 crore tonnes). Districts with highest increase in sugarcane production were Azamgarh (53.5%), Mau (49.6%), Jaunpur (33.7%), Rae Bareli (24.7%), and Mathura (21%). The state also contributed 11.6% to India's total paddy production with a yield of 2.65 crore tonnes. The paddy sector benefitted from water conservation schemes, with areas like Bundelkhand and Purvanchal, reporting an increase in production by 2.09% and 7.89%, respectively. Initiatives like Khet Talab Yojana and Amrit Sarovar improved groundwater levels, which led to increased crop production. "Various agricultural products of UP are gaining global recognition with Geographical Indication (GI) tags. Kala Namak rice from Siddarthnagar, Pratapgarh's aamla, Malihabad's Dussehri mango, and Adamchini rice from Chandauli are a few examples. Mango exports touched 567.62 tonnes in 2023-24, an increase of 7.59% over the previous year. The top five districts contributing the most to mango production are Unnao, Lucknow, Saharanpur, Meerut, and Sitapur. Five districts with highest growth in mango production are Chitrakoot, Hamirpur, Jalaun, Banda, and Lalitpur," Kumar said. Lucknow: The primary sector, especially agriculture, has played an important role in improving the state's gross domestic product (GDP), according to a recent report on Uttar Pradesh's District Domestic Product for 2023-24. The report says that the primary sector accounted for Rs 6.35 lakh crore in UP's GDP of Rs 25.63 lakh crore, out of which, Rs 3.96 lakh crore was contributed just by the crop sector. Prepared by the economics and statistics division of UP govt's planning department, the report says that the contribution of crops to the state's economy was 16.8% in 2023-24, registering a growth of 13.74% over the previous year. The top five districts in terms of volume of crops included Lakhimpur Kheri, Sitapur, Barabanki, Bijnor, and Badaun. Similarly, the top five districts with highest growth in crops were Bhadohi, Jalaun, Kanpur Dehat, Rae Bareli, and Jhansi. The report highlighted that at least 37 districts registered a growth rate higher than the state average of 13.7%. Principal secretary, planning, Alok Kumar said that according to data, the crop sector's Gross State Value Added (GSVA) was largely driven by foodgrain, which contributed 40.68% to GSVA. The contribution of fruits and vegetables was 22.58% and sugarcane contributed 19.4% to GSVA. "UP consistently remained self-sufficient in foodgrain production and consistently maintained leading position in wheat and sugarcane production at the national level. In 2023-24, the state produced 6.68 crore tonnes of foodgrain and 3.98 crore tons of wheat, contributing 18.14% and 31.19% to India's total foodgrain and wheat production, respectively," Kumar said. In 2023-24, UP produced 2,495 lakh tonnes of sugarcane. The report suggests that interventions by the state govt helped in the growth of the sector through timely payments and efficient crushing. The top five districts contributing the most to sugarcane production are Lakhimpur Kheri (3.22 crore tonnes), Bijnor (2.37 crore tonnes), Sitapur (1.9 crore tonnes), Muzaffarnagar (1.68 crore tonnes), and Meerut (1.46 crore tonnes). Districts with highest increase in sugarcane production were Azamgarh (53.5%), Mau (49.6%), Jaunpur (33.7%), Rae Bareli (24.7%), and Mathura (21%). The state also contributed 11.6% to India's total paddy production with a yield of 2.65 crore tonnes. The paddy sector benefitted from water conservation schemes, with areas like Bundelkhand and Purvanchal, reporting an increase in production by 2.09% and 7.89%, respectively. Initiatives like Khet Talab Yojana and Amrit Sarovar improved groundwater levels, which led to increased crop production. "Various agricultural products of UP are gaining global recognition with Geographical Indication (GI) tags. Kala Namak rice from Siddarthnagar, Pratapgarh's aamla, Malihabad's Dussehri mango, and Adamchini rice from Chandauli are a few examples. Mango exports touched 567.62 tonnes in 2023-24, an increase of 7.59% over the previous year. The top five districts contributing the most to mango production are Unnao, Lucknow, Saharanpur, Meerut, and Sitapur. Five districts with highest growth in mango production are Chitrakoot, Hamirpur, Jalaun, Banda, and Lalitpur," Kumar said.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Minister reviews water projects, stresses timely execution
Gorakhpur: Jal Shakti Minister Swatantra Dev Singh on Monday chaired a review meeting with officials concerned to assess the progress of key water-related projects. At the meeting that focused on Jal Jeevan Mission, Namami Gange, flood control, rural piped water schemes, and revival of traditional water sources, Singh emphasized time-bound execution and warned against any negligence, especially in delivering clean drinking water to every household. He urged officials to conduct on-ground inspections and ensure quality implementation, stating, "Schemes must reflect on the ground, not just in files." He called for the revival of rivers, ponds, and traditional water bodies and stressed making water awareness a public movement through the 'Amrit Sarovar' and 'Boond-Boond Se Jal' campaigns. Directing early flood preparedness, he asked for identification of vulnerable areas and relief planning by June. Reviewing progress under Jal Jeevan Mission, Singh noted improvements but called for more speed. He insisted on immediate action to cover areas not having tap connections and sought greater coordination with public representatives. He also emphasized activating local monitoring committees and spreading awareness via social media. Singh warned of strict action against lapses and added that CM Yogi Adityanath is personally reviewing the mission's progress.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
UP leads in efforts to conserve water
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh ranks among the top states for water conservation in the country, recently being awarded the first position in the Third National Water Awards. Among various initiatives taken to conserve water are its Khet Talab Yojana, Amrit Sarovar, revival of rivers, multipurpose ponds along the Ganga and the Ken-Betwa Link project. Rainwater harvesting has been made mandatory in new urban housing projects. Around 70–80% of India's annual rainfall occurs between July and Sep, with regions like UP's Terai belt receiving even more. During this period, India gets about 870 mm of rain, but most of it is not conserved. Union minister Hardeep Singh Puri recently said the water crisis in the country is due to mismanagement not scarcity. To address this problem, the Central and state govts emphasised projects like rainwater harvesting and water recharge through the Atal Bhujal Yojana and the 'Catch the Rain' campaign. In UP, govt launched the Khet Talab Yojana. It has now set a target of constructing 8,500 ponds in rural areas, aiming to boost agricultural output, especially in paddy and maize, by over 12%. Under the Amrit Sarovar Yojana, launched in 2023, govt targeted the creation of 75 ponds per district. UP currently leads the country in its implementation. However, global warming has led to erratic weather patterns, with short bursts of heavy rain followed by prolonged dry spells, resulting in floods and droughts and impacting agricultural productivity, said a govt spokesperson. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Dinheiro pra você organizar suas contas! Banco BV Saiba Mais Undo India is among the eight nations facing the highest projected decline in crop yields due to water scarcity, with a potential drop of 28.8%. UP is particularly vulnerable. Rainfall trends are shifting, especially in Bundelkhand. Over 77 years, the region has witnessed a sharp decline in average annual rainfall, dropping by 320 mm, or about 4.2 mm per year. From a historical average of 1,068.4 mm, rainfall levels hover between 800 and 900 mm annually. Now, govt has made Bundelkhand a focal point for water conservation efforts. The Khet Talab Yojana was launched here and the region is now home to numerous small and large-scale irrigation and conservation projects. Farmers are being encouraged to adopt modern, water-efficient irrigation techniques. CM Yogi Adityanath has been personally involved in water conservation practices. "Hailing from Gorakhpur, located in the water-rich Terai region, he implemented innovative water recharge systems at the Gorakhnath Temple, where he serves as the Mahant of Gorakshapeeth," he said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Chhattisgarh CM Vishnu Deo Sai launches urban groundwater mission to tackle water crisis
RAIPUR: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai launched the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Groundwater Conservation Mission (Urban) on Tuesday evening. The mission aims to implement comprehensive, mission-mode strategies for conserving groundwater and rainwater across all urban local bodies in Chhattisgarh. During the launch at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Auditorium in Raipur, the Chief Minister unveiled the mission's brochure and an informational video outlining its objectives. He also handed over compassionate appointment letters to the families of 18 municipal employees who died during service in nine urban bodies of the state. The launch was followed by a technical workshop where hydrologists, real estate developers, industry groups, and officials from departments such as Forest, Public Works, Public Health Engineering, and Water Resources discussed water conservation strategies and their anticipated outcomes. Chief Minister Sai emphasised the critical importance of water. "Life is unimaginable without water. With growing concerns over water availability, the Urban Administration Department has initiated this ambitious mission. I am confident this mission will serve as a milestone in conserving and augmenting rainwater and groundwater," he stated. He highlighted that the state is already running several water conservation initiatives. The Panchayat and Rural Development Department is implementing the 'Mor Gaon Mor Pani' campaign with active community participation. He noted that both urban and rural campaigns share the common goal of sustainable water management. The Chief Minister also referred to the national-level Amrit Sarovar initiative , inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, under which new ponds are being created and old ones rejuvenated across the country. Chief Minister Sai remarked that the four-hour expert dialogue held during the event reflects the seriousness with which the mission is being approached, warning that inaction today could lead to severe water crises in the future. Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao and water conservationist Rajendra Singh, known as 'Waterman of India', addressed the gathering and responded to participant queries. A team from the Surat Municipal Corporation shared their successful models of rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge. Sao stated that valuable guidance was received from the 'Waterman of India' and the Surat civic team. He noted that key recommendations included integrating water conservation education into school curricula and aligning cropping patterns with rainfall trends in the state. Highlighting future challenges in ensuring urban water supply for drinking and other needs, he emphasised that this mission was launched to address those challenges proactively. "Chhattisgarh receives ample rainfall. With careful collection and management, we can resolve our water scarcity issues," he added. Water Resources Minister Kedar Kashyap expressed optimism that the mission would lead to exemplary outcomes.
India Today
06-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Centre to invest Rs 2 lakh crore in Telangana's roads over next few years
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari announced that the Centre will invest Rs 2 lakh crore in Telangana's road infrastructure. Gadkari made the announcement on Monday, marking a significant commitment to Telangana's development over the next three to four years. Speaking at an event after he laid foundation stones for several road projects worth over Rs 6,100 crore across Telangana, Gadkari highlighted the remarkable progress already achieved in the region. 'The length of national highways in Telangana has more than doubled to over 5,000 km since I took office a decade ago,' Gadkari told attendees at the event after the ceremonies in Kumuram Bheem Asifabad district and Hyderabad. The Union Minister emphasised that completed works worth Rs 1.25 lakh crore represent merely 'the tip of the iceberg' compared to what lies ahead. 'I want to assure you that the planned Rs 2 lakh crore investment over the next 3-4 years will transform Telangana's landscape completely,' Gadkari said. AMBITIOUS CONNECTIVITY GOALS The minister outlined an ambitious vision for Telangana's transport network, pledging that road infrastructure would be developed to enable citizens from any corner of the state to reach the capital within five hours. 'We're building new green access-controlled expressways in Telangana with an approximate investment of Rs 1 lakh crore,' Gadkari explained. He added that the Indore-Hyderabad Corridor, once completed, would halve travel time between the cities to just 10 hours. WATER CONSERVATION AND RURAL CONNECTIVITY During his address, Gadkari extended an offer to implement water conservation projects under the Centre's 'Amrit Sarovar' scheme in Telangana, requesting cooperation from Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy and his cabinet. The minister also noted substantial progress in rural connectivity, with roads constructed in 4.5 million of India's 6.5 million villages under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). REGIONAL RING ROAD DISCUSSIONS Following the ceremonies, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy met with Gadkari at Begumpet airport to discuss the Hyderabad Regional Ring Road (RRR) and Radial Roads projects. The Chief Minister requested swift Cabinet approval for funding the northern section of the RRR, for which tenders have already been issued. Reddy also sought support for simultaneous development of both southern and northern segments of the RRR, alongside other initiatives including the Hyderabad-Amaravati Greenfield Expressway. In attendance at the various events were Union Minister for Coal and Mines G Kishan Reddy, Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar, and Telangana Ministers Komatireddy Venkata Reddy and Danasari Anasuya Seethakka, among others. Kishan Reddy remarked that these infrastructure projects would ensure safer, smoother connectivity between Telangana, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, while creating new opportunities for trade, tourism and investment across the region.
