By Tajdar H. Zaidi
Lucknow: According to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh, once regarded as a backward and underperforming state, has now transformed into a key driver of India’s economic growth. Speaking at a press conference in Lucknow on Monday, Adityanath highlighted the remarkable progress the state has made over the past eight years under the leadership of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The Chief Minister credited the state’s economic resurgence to the policies implemented by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He emphasized that the principles of service, security, and good governance championed by the central government have played a crucial role in reshaping Uttar Pradesh’s economic landscape.
Recalling the situation before 2017, Adityanath noted that Uttar Pradesh was once classified as a ‘BIMARU’ state—a term used to describe India’s most economically and socially backward regions. The acronym stands for Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, indicating their struggles with underdevelopment, poor governance, and inadequate infrastructure.
However, the narrative has undergone a drastic shift in the last eight years. Uttar Pradesh is now at the forefront of India’s economic engine, making significant strides in various sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, and industry. The state’s rapid development and improved governance have placed it among India’s top-performing regions.
One of the most notable areas of transformation has been agriculture, which was in a state of neglect before 2017. Farmers across the state had been struggling with poor yields, lack of support, and financial distress. The sector was witnessing stagnation, with minimal growth and increasing distress among those dependent on farming.
However, under the “double-engine government”—a term used by the BJP to describe the synergy between the central and state governments—the situation has improved dramatically. The state government introduced several reforms to revamp the agricultural sector, leading to a substantial increase in productivity and farmer welfare.
Adityanath pointed out that in 2016-17, the agricultural growth rate in Uttar Pradesh was approximately 5 percent. Over the years, with targeted interventions and supportive policies, this rate has surged to over 13.5 percent, marking a significant achievement for the state’s economy.
The turning point in Uttar Pradesh’s economic revival, according to the Chief Minister, came with the very first cabinet decision of his government. This decision focused on alleviating the financial burden on farmers by implementing a massive loan waiver scheme. Under this initiative, loans amounting to Rs 36,000 crore were written off, providing immense relief to struggling farmers and allowing them to reinvest in their agricultural activities.
As a direct consequence of these measures, food grain production in the state witnessed a remarkable boost. In 2016-17, total food grain production stood at 557 lakh metric tonnes. However, by the previous year, this figure had risen to over 668 lakh metric tonnes, reflecting an increase of nearly 20 percent. This growth underscores the effectiveness of the government’s policies in revitalizing agriculture and ensuring food security.
The Chief Minister reiterated that Uttar Pradesh’s journey from an underperforming state to a leading economic contributor is a testament to the effectiveness of governance reforms and policy-driven growth. Today, the state is setting an example for other regions, demonstrating that with the right leadership and strategic investments, even historically disadvantaged areas can achieve substantial progress.
As Uttar Pradesh continues to expand its industrial, agricultural, and infrastructural capacities, it is expected to further strengthen its position as a major force in India’s overall development. The state’s success story serves as an inspiration, proving that with sustained efforts, even the most challenging economic hurdles can be overcome.
