Description

For identifying and implementing strategies to quadruple Meerut's GDP and uplift the livelihoods of its farming community, a meeting on foxnut cultivation in Meerut District was convened on 18 October 2024 at MCF Office, Saket, Meerut under the esteemed leadership of   Shri Rajendra Agrawal, Chairman, Steering Committee for Quadrupling Meerut’s GDP and Former MP, Meerut.

The primary agenda of the meeting was to explore foxnut cultivation as a potential avenue to boost the district's agricultural output and overall economic growth.

The meeting aimed to explore the potential of foxnut cultivation as a high-value agricultural initiative to enhance the district's agricultural output and overall economic growth of the district.

The meeting was attended by notable stakeholders from academia, agriculture and the MCF team, i.e.: -

• Prof. R.S. Sengar, Professor & HoD, Plant Biotechnology, Agriculture University, Meerut.
• Shri Dinesh Singhal, Trustee, MCF.
• Shri Rampal Verma, Member, MCF, Meerut.
• Shri Harsh Goyal, Member, MCF, Meerut.
• Shri Sudhanshu Tiwari, Member, MCF, Meerut.

Key Discussions

The meeting highlighted the following key points: -

Ø Climatic Suitability.   Agriculture University, Meerut confirmed that the district's climate is conducive to foxnut farming.

Ø Multi-Crop Opportunities.
Foxnut farming can be integrated with water chestnut cultivation and fisheries, creating additional revenue streams for farmers.

Ø Pond Utilization.   Village ponds with silt and mud bases, suitable for foxnut cultivation, were identified as untapped resources.

Ø Pilot Project.    It was proposed to initiate a pilot project using one Amrit Sarovar pond from each block of Meerut district.

Ø District Administration’s Role.   Collaboration with Meerut District Administration was deemed crucial for infrastructure and logistical support.

Ø Expert Assistance.   Partnership with the National Research Centre for Makhana (NRCM), Darbhanga (Bihar) was proposed for technical expertise.

Ø State Subsidy.   The Uttar Pradesh government’s subsidy of ₹40,000 per acre for foxnut farming was identified as a significant incentive.

Action Plan

ü The meeting concluded with actionable steps, such as engaging experts, coordination with District Authorities, pilot implementation etc, to move forward.

Beyond foxnut cultivation, the meeting delved into natural farming practices. Prof. RS Sengar shared insights into sustainable agricultural methods that could further enhance the district's agrarian economy.

The meeting ended on a positive note with a vote of thanks to the Chairman, Shri Rajendra Agrawal, for his leadership and commitment to economic development through innovative agricultural initiatives.