LUCKNOW, Oct. 22 -- Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday flagged off vehicles carrying wheat seed aid from his official residence to assist farmers in flood-affected areas of Punjab. Extending Diwali greetings, he said the true spirit of any festival lies in standing with those in distress. "The Uttar Pradesh government stands firmly with the farmer-heroes of Punjab," CM Yogi stated, adding that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the double-engine government ensures full support to disaster-affected citizens through relief, financial aid, and rehabilitation. Highlighting Punjab's historic role in India's agricultural self-sufficiency, he noted that excessive rainfall this year destroyed lives, livelihoods, and seeds preserved for the next crop. To help, the Uttar Pradesh Seeds Development Corporation is sending 2,500 sacks (1,000 quintals) of wheat seed, of the disease-resistant and nutrient-rich 'BB-327' variety, also known as Karan Shivani. This variety matures in 155 days and yields about 80 quintals per hectare. CM Yogi also announced plans for a 'Seed Park' in Lucknow in memory of former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh with five more seed parks under development across the state to strengthen self-reliance in agriculture. htc...