Chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday announced that the state will establish a centre of excellence for basmati rice, marking a major push towards crop diversification and sustainable agriculture.
The CM said the initiative was secured during his ongoing visit to the Netherlands and is aimed at strengthening farmers’ incomes while reducing dependence on the wheat-paddy cycle.
“For the sake of the nation, farmers in Punjab have overexploited the state’s fertile land and water resources, making it essential to shift away from the wheat-paddy cycle,” said Mann.
He added: “For this purpose, a major push is needed to crop diversification in the state adding that Netherlands can help the state in this noble cause.”
During his visit, the CM reviewed best practices in agriculture and industry to benefit Punjab’s farmers, who have played a crucial role in ensuring the country’s food security, according to a press release.
At a facility of LT Foods in Rotterdam, discussions focused on sustainable farming practices and expanding Punjab’s basmati footprint globally. The company, which operates in over 80 countries and works with more than one lakh farmers, agreed to collaborate on the project.
The proposed centre of excellence will focus on promoting low-pesticide cultivation, improving crop quality and aligning production with international standards. A pilot initiative for assured procurement and sustainable basmati cultivation is also planned, the release said.
{{/usCountry}}The proposed centre of excellence will focus on promoting low-pesticide cultivation, improving crop quality and aligning production with international standards. A pilot initiative for assured procurement and sustainable basmati cultivation is also planned, the release said.
{{/usCountry}}Mann calls for collaboration between Dutch Cos, PAU
Mann also called for enhanced collaboration between Dutch companies and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) to advance research and promote sustainable farming techniques.
Highlighting the economic challenges in the sector, he said: “With the squeezing margins of profit, agriculture is no longer a profitable preposition due to which farmers are facing a lot of problems for their basic subsistence.” He further noted that crop productivity has nearly reached a plateau.
During meetings with officials from the Dutch agriculture ministry and representatives of VNO-NCW, the CM emphasised strengthening institutional partnerships and leveraging opportunities under the evolving India-EU trade framework.
The chief minister also held a high-level meeting with the Indian Ambassador to Finland, Hemant H Kotalwar in Helsinki.
The discussions centred on creating a future-ready ecosystem for Punjab’s youth by leveraging Finland’s world-renowned expertise.