Draft Annual Plan, 2010-11 Volume I (Part II)

Abstract

Uttar Pradesh is not only the most populous but the fifth largest state in India. It is located between 23°52’-31°28’N Latitudes and 77°04’-84°38’E longitudes. Geographically it is situated in one of the most fertile tracts of the country i.e. Ganga and Yamuna basin. Its population of 16.61 crores is 16% of the country which is more than that of many other countries of the world but occupies only 7.36% of the total area of the country. It produces not only sufficient food grains for the sustenance of its population but also fulfills the food grains requirement of other states and generate a surplus for export as well. In order to drive maximum benefit from the available resource and prevailing growing conditions, an agro-climatic orientation is necessary in land use planning. Such an approach provides the desirable frame work of sustainable use of land, water and vegetation. Planning Commission of India has identified 15 Resource Development Regions in the country, 14 in the Main land and remaining 1 in the Islands of Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.