Uttar Pradesh Launches 'UP Khet Suraksha Yojana 2026': Up to 60% Subsidy on Solar Fencing
The Government of Uttar Pradesh has launched the UP Khet Suraksha Yojana 2026 to provide financial assistance for installing solar fencing to protect crops from stray cattle, nilgai (blue bulls), and wild boars. Under the scheme, farmers will receive up to 60% subsidy on the installation cost, while farmers belonging to special categories will receive up to 70% subsidy. The initiative aims to reduce crop damage, enhance agricultural productivity, and promote solar energy-based agricultural infrastructure. Eligible farmers will receive the benefits through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
The Government of Uttar Pradesh has launched the UP Khet Suraksha Yojana 2026 to protect farmers' crops from damage caused by stray animals, nilgai, and wild boars. Under this scheme, financial assistance will be provided for installing solar-powered electric fencing (Solar Fencing) around agricultural land.
Purpose of the Scheme
The primary objective of the scheme is to ensure the protection of farmers' crops, minimize agricultural losses, and promote solar energy-based agricultural infrastructure. It also aims to increase farmers' income and encourage sustainable agricultural practices.
Financial Assistance and Subsidy
Under the scheme, farmers will receive up to 60% subsidy on the installation cost of solar fencing, with financial assistance of up to ₹1.43 lakh per kilometre. The subsidy may be increased to 70% for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), small, and marginal farmers.
Eligibility and Key Provisions
The benefits of the scheme will be available only to permanent farmers of Uttar Pradesh who possess at least 0.5 hectare of agricultural land and whose names are recorded in the land records (Khatauni). Applicants must have an Aadhaar-linked bank account to receive the subsidy through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism.
Significance of the Scheme
The solar-powered electric fencing system uses low-voltage electric pulses to safely keep wild and stray animals away from farms. This helps reduce crop damage, lowers production costs, increases agricultural productivity, and promotes the use of renewable energy.
Importance from UPSC Examination Perspective
The scheme is important for topics such as Agricultural Reforms, Farmer Welfare, Food Security, Renewable Energy, Rural Development, Sustainable Agriculture, Climate-Smart Agriculture, and Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). It is highly relevant for UPSC Prelims (Government Schemes) and UPSC Mains (GS Paper III – Agriculture, Environment, and Inclusive Growth).
