The Samajwadi Sugandh Yojana, launched by the Uttar Pradesh government, aims to transform farmers’ livelihoods by promoting aromatic plant cultivation. Targeting 25,000 farmers initially, the scheme offers subsidies, training, and market linkages for crops like lemongrass and lavender. It seeks to boost rural incomes, enhance agricultural diversity, and position UP as a hub for essential oils, fostering sustainable farming practices.
UP’s Aromatic Revolution: Empowering Farmers with Sugandh Yojana
In a bid to diversify agriculture and uplift rural economies, the Uttar Pradesh government, under the leadership of the Samajwadi Party, has rolled out the ambitious Samajwadi Sugandh Yojana. This scheme focuses on promoting the cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants, such as lemongrass, lavender, peppermint, and chamomile, to provide farmers with alternative revenue streams. With traditional crops like wheat and paddy facing challenges like volatile prices and climate uncertainties, the initiative aims to make farming more resilient and profitable.
The Yojana, announced in early 2025, targets 25,000 farmers across districts like Lucknow, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, and Varanasi in its first phase. The state has allocated ₹150 crore for the scheme, which includes subsidies of up to 50% on planting materials, irrigation systems, and processing units. Farmers are also being provided with technical training on cultivation techniques and post-harvest processing to ensure high-quality yields. The government has partnered with institutions like the Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) in Lucknow to facilitate knowledge transfer.
Data from the UP Agriculture Department indicates that aromatic crops can yield 2-3 times higher returns per hectare compared to traditional crops. For instance, lemongrass can generate ₹1.5-2 lakh per hectare annually, with essential oil extraction adding significant value. The scheme also emphasizes organic farming practices to meet global demand for chemical-free products. By 2027, the state aims to bring 50,000 hectares under aromatic cultivation, potentially creating 1 lakh jobs in rural areas.
To ensure market access, the government is establishing cooperative societies and linking farmers with industries producing essential oils, perfumes, and pharmaceuticals. Export-oriented strategies are also in place, with UP eyeing markets in Europe and the Middle East, where demand for essential oils is projected to grow at 7% annually, according to a 2025 report by the Indian Essential Oils Association. Pilot projects in districts like Barabanki have already shown success, with farmers reporting a 30% income increase after switching to aromatic crops.
The Yojana also addresses environmental concerns. Aromatic plants require less water than traditional crops, making them suitable for UP’s water-stressed regions. The scheme integrates with the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) to promote sustainable practices. However, challenges remain, including the need for robust supply chains and awareness among farmers. Critics, including agricultural experts, have pointed out that without consistent market linkages, the scheme’s benefits could be limited.
The Samajwadi Party, led by Akhilesh Yadav, has positioned the Yojana as a cornerstone of its 2027 election agenda, emphasizing rural empowerment. The government is also exploring public-private partnerships to set up distillation units and promote value-added products like herbal cosmetics. With UP’s agricultural GVA growing 225% since 2011, as per a 2025 NSO report, the state is betting on aromatic farming to further bolster its agri-economy.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent reports, government announcements, and agricultural data available as of July 2, 2025. Information is sourced from credible outlets like the UP Agriculture Department, CIMAP, and news platforms. Readers are advised to verify details with official sources for the latest updates.