Chandigarh, April 22: Towards sustainable agriculture, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced the establishment of a Center of Excellence for Basmati in Punjab. Secured during the Chief Minister’s visit to the Netherlands, the center is intended to act as a catalyst for crop diversification, moving the state’s agricultural focus away from the traditional wheat-paddy cycle.
The initiative follows a strategic engagement with LT Foods in Rotterdam, a global leader in the rice industry. The Chief Minister affirmed that the center will prioritize sustainable farming practices, specifically aiming to reduce pesticide usage to align with international standards. Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that for the sake of the nation, farmers in the state have overexploited natural resources like fertile land and water, making it the need of the hour to bring them out of the rut of the wheat-paddy circle.
Beyond rice cultivation, the Chief Minister explored the Dutch floriculture and auction systems, expressing a keen interest in integrating these models into Punjab’s agri-value chains. He declared that with profit margins squeezing, agriculture is no longer a profitable proposition for many, leaving farmers struggling for basic subsistence. He maintained that advanced Dutch technologies—including artificial intelligence, drones, and automation—could be vital in revitalizing the state’s rural economy.
The state government has also invited Dutch multinationals to collaborate with Punjab Agricultural University on research and precision farming. Bhagwant Singh Mann asserted that Punjab offers a conducive ecosystem for investment through its Industrial and Business Development Policy 2026. He declared that the state is committed to building a technology-driven and globally integrated economy that ensures time-bound and transparent approvals for new ventures.
