Punjab Boosts Basmati Cultivation with Crop Diversification Drive
The Punjab government's crop diversification initiative has led to a 12.58% increase in basmati cultivation area during the current kharif season. Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian reported a significant expansion in various districts, along with a notable growth in the area under Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR). Stringent measures on pesticide use aim to enhance export quality.
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The Punjab government's crop diversification initiative has successfully increased basmati cultivation areas by 12.58% during the current kharif season, according to Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian.
This season, long-grain rice cultivation has expanded to 6.71 lakh hectares, up from 5.96 lakh hectares previously, Khudian noted.
Amritsar leads in basmati cultivation with 1.46 lakh hectares, followed by Muktsar, Fazilka, Tarn Taran, and Sangrur.
Additionally, the area under Direct Seeding of Rice (DSR) grew by 46.5%, reaching 2.52 lakh acres this year, compared to 1.72 lakh acres last year.
To enhance the export quality of basmati, the state has banned the use of 10 pesticides, aiming to meet world-class standards.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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