Punjab: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has announced the establishment of a high-level Centre of Excellence for Basmati rice in the state, aiming to strengthen agricultural diversification and improve farmers’ income.
The initiative is expected to promote sustainable farming practices, reduce overdependence on traditional crops, and enhance Punjab’s global position in premium rice production.
Push for Crop Diversification and Sustainable Farming
During his visit to the Netherlands, CM Bhagwant Mann studied advanced agricultural and industrial systems, emphasizing the need for large-scale crop diversification in Punjab.
He highlighted that:
- Punjab’s farmers have heavily relied on water-intensive crops for decades
- Natural resources like fertile soil and groundwater need protection
- Diversification is essential for long-term agricultural sustainability
He said the Netherlands model could significantly support Punjab’s agricultural transformation.
Dutch Model of Floriculture to Be Adopted in Punjab
The Chief Minister also expressed interest in adopting the Dutch floriculture model to boost flower farming and agricultural value chains in Punjab.
He visited the world-famous flower auction market in Aalsmeer, where he studied:
- Advanced production systems
- Efficient logistics networks
- Global distribution mechanisms
Mann said adopting such systems in Punjab could help increase farmers’ income and strengthen the agricultural value chain.
Partnership with LT Foods and Global Agriculture Firms
CM Mann visited an LT Foods facility in Rotterdam, where the company shared its global presence across 80+ countries and partnerships with over one lakh farmers.
The company assured support for:
- Establishing a Basmati Centre of Excellence in Punjab
- Promoting low-pesticide farming practices
- Ensuring assured procurement systems
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of reducing pesticide use and improving the global competitiveness of Basmati rice.
Collaboration with Dutch Experts and PAU
Bhagwant Mann advocated stronger collaboration between:
- Dutch multinational companies
- Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)
- Agricultural research institutions
He emphasized the need for research-driven, technology-enabled, and sustainable farming practices to boost productivity and protect natural resources.
Adoption of Advanced Agri Technologies
The Chief Minister said Punjab is keen to adopt modern agricultural technologies from the Netherlands, including:
- Automation in farming
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) in agriculture
- Drone-based crop monitoring
- Data-driven farm management systems
- Advanced greenhouse farming techniques
These innovations are expected to modernize agriculture and increase efficiency across the state.
Strengthening India–Netherlands Agricultural Cooperation
CM Mann also held high-level meetings with officials from the Netherlands Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature.
He highlighted the long-standing agricultural partnership between India and the Netherlands and called for deeper cooperation in:
- Water-efficient farming techniques
- Crop diversification strategies
- Technology-driven productivity enhancement
- Sustainable agricultural practices
FastTrack Punjab Portal and Investment Reforms
The Chief Minister also briefed international stakeholders about Punjab’s policy reforms, including:
- Industrial and Business Development Policy 2026
- FastTrack Punjab Portal
These initiatives aim to ensure transparent and time-bound approvals for investors, strengthening Punjab’s industrial and agricultural ecosystem.
Vision for a Modern and Sustainable Agricultural Economy
Reaffirming his vision, CM Bhagwant Mann said Punjab is committed to building a technology-driven, globally integrated, and sustainable agricultural economy.
He added that the proposed Centre of Excellence and international collaborations will play a key role in:
- Increasing farmer incomes
- Protecting natural resources
- Promoting sustainable agriculture
- Enhancing Punjab’s global agri-market presence
