Basmati Centre of Excellence to be established in Punjab

April 22, 2026

Chandigarh: Punjab is now taking a major step towards crop diversification and sustainable farming.

During Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s visit to the Netherlands, approval was received to establish a Centre of Excellence for Basmati.

This initiative aims to increase farmers’ income and reduce dependence on the wheat-rice cycle.

Emphasis on crop diversification

During the visit, the Chief Minister studied improved agricultural and industrial practices that could benefit farmers.

He said that Punjab’s farmers have overutilized land and water resources in the national interest, so it is now necessary to move away from the wheat-rice cycle.

He also said that promoting crop diversification is the need of the hour, and the Netherlands can help Punjab in this direction.

Global Collaboration and Basmati Promotion

During a visit to LT Foods’ plant in Rotterdam, the company highlighted its global reach and network of over 100,000 farmers.

During the visit, sustainable farming and promoting Basmati rice in the international market were discussed.

The company agreed to establish a Basmati Center of Excellence in Punjab and conduct a pilot project to guarantee procurement with reduced pesticide use.

Research and Investment to be Boosted

The Chief Minister emphasized the need for increased collaboration between Dutch companies and the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) to promote sustainable farming.

He said that farmers are facing difficulties due to declining profitability in farming.

The Chief Minister invited Dutch companies to invest in Punjab and highlighted the state’s new Industrial and Business Development Policy 2026 and features like the FastTrack Punjab Portal, which ensure transparent and timely approvals.