Jubilee Post News & Views
- UP AGREES scheme set to transform Bundelkhand’s agriculture sector
- Bundelkhand advancing towards becoming an industrial powerhouse
Lucknow. Renowned for its valiant history, Bundelkhand is now on the path to creating a new legacy of development under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Once infamous for recurring droughts, the region is transforming into a symbol of greenery, thanks to numerous irrigation projects and the Khet Talab Yojana, which has facilitated the construction of farm ponds to enhance water conservation.
Beyond agriculture, Bundelkhand is also making rapid strides in industrial progress, setting new benchmarks for economic growth. With a strong focus on infrastructure and sustainable development, the region is poised to emerge as a hub of prosperity in the coming years.
It includes seven districts—Chitrakoot, Banda, Jhansi, Jalaun, Hamirpur, Mahoba, and Lalitpur—covering around 69,000 square kilometers and making up 10% of Uttar Pradesh’s total area. The region has great potential for growing pulses and oilseeds, which is why the government has launched the Dalhan Gram Yojana to promote their cultivation. Additionally, the government is focusing on natural farming across Bundelkhand as part of its Mission Mode initiative.
Faced with frequent droughts, Bundelkhand currently contributes only 5.5% to the state’s agricultural output. To bridge this gap, the government is expanding irrigation facilities to improve water availability for farming.
Further, under the Uttar Pradesh Growth and Rural Enterprise Ecosystem Strengthening (UP-AGREES) project, supported by the World Bank, all districts of Bundelkhand will benefit from a Rs 4,000 crore investment over six years.
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Varanasi, a branch of the Manila-based IRRI, Philippines, is also partnering in this initiative. The project aims to promote cluster farming, strengthen digital and financial infrastructure, and provide intensive training to farmers.
Alongside agriculture, Bundelkhand is also emerging as a major industrial hub. Under CM Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, industrial projects like the Defence Corridor, Pharma Park to be built in Lalitpur, and the proposed India’s largest industrial development authority (BIDA) between Kanpur and Jhansi are set to boost economic growth.
Additionally, industrial corridors along the Bundelkhand Expressway will play a key role in the region’s transformation, making it a significant contributor to Uttar Pradesh’s and India’s industrial landscape.
Connectivity is a catalyst for development, and the Bundelkhand Expressway embodies this vision. The government is also integrating all expressways across Uttar Pradesh, ensuring seamless connectivity for Bundelkhand with the state and beyond. This enhanced infrastructure will accelerate goods transportation, driving trade and economic growth in the region.
The expansion of air connectivity will further enhance Bundelkhand’s development. While the Chitrakoot Airport is already operational, new airports in Lalitpur and Jhansi are under construction. Once completed, Bundelkhand—comprising just seven districts—will have three airports, significantly boosting its tourism industry, especially heritage tourism.
Bundelkhand is home to rich historical and spiritual heritage sites, including the Kalinjar Fort, the magnificent Chandela-era reservoirs, and Chitrakoot, where Lord Ram spent a significant part of his exile with Sita and Lakshman. The site is also famous for the iconic reunion of Lord Ram and Bharat.
The growing influx of tourists during the Prayagraj Mahakumbh is proof of Chitrakoot’s rising popularity. Recognizing this, the Yogi government is enhancing the Ram Van Gaman Path from Ayodhya to Chitrakoot, making it more accessible for pilgrims. The newly built ropeway in Chitrakoot is further adding to its appeal, offering visitors a unique and enriching travel experience.
