To make farmers self-reliant and increase their income, the Uttar Pradesh government is actively promoting the cultivation of medicinal plants, spices, and flowers. Under the Chief Minister State Horticulture Development Scheme, farmers can receive subsidies of up to ₹60,000 for cultivating medicinal crops on up to two hectares of land.
Along with financial support, the Horticulture Department is also providing training and technical guidance, helping farmers reduce risks and improve crop quality.
Subsidy for Medicinal Crop Cultivation
The state government believes that medicinal crop farming offers high returns at low cost. Keeping this in mind, special subsidies are being provided for crops such as coriander, fennel, cumin, ajwain, lemongrass, ginger, turmeric, safed musli, shatavari, ashwagandha, tulsi, and mulethi (licorice).
Demand for these medicinal and spice crops is rising rapidly not only in the domestic market but also internationally, making them a profitable alternative to traditional farming.
Training and Technical Support for Farmers
The Horticulture Department is offering hands-on training and expert technical assistance along with subsidies to farmers adopting medicinal farming. This support is helping farmers minimize production risks and improve both yield and quality.
Focus on Flower and Spice Cultivation
In addition to medicinal crops, the government is also encouraging flower and spice cultivation. Horticulture officials are visiting villages to raise awareness so that more farmers can benefit from these schemes.
Currently, spice cultivation covers around 500 hectares, with a target to expand it to 700 hectares. Similarly, the area under flower cultivation—including gladiolus, rose, marigold, and jasmine—is set to increase from 20 hectares to 30 hectares.
Government Aims to Strengthen Rural Economy
Horticulture Inspector Yashwant Patel stated that through the Integrated Horticulture Mission and the State Horticulture Scheme, farmers are being encouraged to shift from traditional crops to more profitable alternatives.
Special focus is being placed on small and marginal farmers, enabling them to earn better income from limited land. This initiative is being seen as a significant step toward strengthening farmers’ economic condition and rural development in Uttar Pradesh.
