Punjab all set to have Centre of Excellence for Basmati to give push to crop diversification: CM Bhagwant Singh Mann

Punjab is set to take a major step towards crop diversification and sustainable agriculture. With strenuous efforts of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Basmati has been secured during his ongoing visit to the Netherlands. The initiative is aimed at strengthening farmers’ incomes and reducing overdependence on the wheat-paddy cycle. As part of his visit, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann explored best practices in agriculture and industry to benefit Punjab’s farmers, who have played a key role in making the country self-reliant in food production. The Chief Minister noted, “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.” He pointed out, “For the sake of the nation, the farmers of the state have over exploited its only available natural resources in terms of fertile land and water due to which the need of hour is to bring the farmers out of the rut of wheat-paddy circle.” Emphasising the way forward, he added, “For this purpose a major push is needed to crop diversification in the state adding that Netherlands can duly help the state a lot in this noble cause.” During his visit to the LT Foods facility in Rotterdam, the company shared its global presence across more than 80 countries and strong linkage with over one lakh farmers. The visit focused on sustainable farming practices and expanding Punjab’s basmati footprint globally. Stressing the importance of aligning with international standards, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “There is a need for sustainable farming, including reducing pesticide usage to meet international standards and to promote basmati rice in the international market.” Following this engagement, LT Foods gave consent to establish a Centre of Excellence for Basmati Rice in Punjab, along with a pilot for assured procurement and low-pesticide cultivation. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also called for expediting collaboration between Dutch multinationals and Punjab Agricultural University for research and sustainable agriculture practices. Highlighting the economic challenges in farming, 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, “The production potential of the available technology of the crops had already been nearly exploited and has now almost reached a plateau in growth.” The Chief Minister also visited the Floriculture Auction Market at Aalsmeer, the world’s largest flower and plant marketplace, where he observed the Dutch auction system and its highly integrated ecosystem of production, logistics and global distribution. He emphasised Punjab’s intent to adopt similar models to strengthen agri-value chains and enhance farmers’ incomes. In a detailed meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, Government of the Netherlands, led by senior officials including the Director-General for Agriculture, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted the strong India–Netherlands partnership in agriculture.