GORAKHPUR, June 3 -- Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said that empowering farmers is essential to India's journey towards self-reliance and highlighted Uttar Pradesh's growing role in the country's agricultural sector. He said the state contributes 21% of India's agricultural output despite possessing only 11% of the country's cultivable land.

Addressing a Kharif Farmers' Conference attended by farmers from the Gorakhpur, Basti and Azamgarh divisions at Baba Gambhirnath Auditorium here, the chief minister emphasised the need for greater adoption of technology and export-oriented farming to enhance farmers' incomes.

"A self-reliant farmer is essential for a self-reliant India. Strengthening the farming community remains one o...