CHANDIGARH, April 22, 2026: Punjab is poised to take a significant leap towards crop diversification and sustainable agriculture with the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Basmati, secured during Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s ongoing visit to the Netherlands. The initiative is expected to strengthen farmers’ incomes while reducing the state’s heavy dependence on the traditional wheat-paddy cycle.
The move reflects Punjab’s broader strategy to transition towards high-value crops, sustainable farming practices, and global market integration, particularly in response to challenges such as groundwater depletion and declining agricultural profitability.
Major Push for Crop Diversification and Sustainable Farming
During his visit, Bhagwant Mann emphasized the urgent need to move away from the wheat-paddy cycle, which has long dominated Punjab’s agricultural landscape. He noted that farmers, in their contribution to national food security, have overexploited the state’s fertile land and water resources.
Highlighting the way forward, the Chief Minister said that crop diversification is essential for long-term sustainability and economic viability of agriculture in Punjab. He pointed out that collaboration with countries like the Netherlands can play a crucial role in introducing advanced farming techniques and sustainable practices.
The Centre of Excellence for Basmati is aimed at promoting low-pesticide cultivation, improving quality standards, and expanding Punjab’s footprint in global basmati markets. The initiative will also focus on knowledge transfer, farmer training, and adoption of modern agricultural practices aligned with international requirements.
Global Partnerships to Boost Basmati and Agri Innovation
As part of his engagements, the Chief Minister visited the LT Foods facility in Rotterdam, where discussions were held on sustainable farming practices and strengthening global supply chains. The company, which has a presence in over 80 countries and works with more than one lakh farmers, agreed to establish the Centre of Excellence for Basmati in Punjab.
The collaboration will also include pilot projects for assured procurement and promotion of low-pesticide basmati cultivation, ensuring better returns for farmers while meeting global export standards.
Bhagwant Mann stressed the importance of reducing pesticide usage and adopting sustainable farming techniques to enhance the global competitiveness of Punjab’s basmati rice. He noted that aligning agricultural practices with international standards is essential for expanding exports and improving farmers’ income.
He also called for strengthening collaboration between Punjab Agricultural University and Dutch institutions to promote research, innovation, and knowledge exchange in agriculture.
Technology-Driven Agriculture and Global Market Integration
The Chief Minister highlighted that agriculture in Punjab is facing economic challenges due to shrinking profit margins and stagnating productivity levels. He pointed out that existing technologies have nearly reached their maximum potential, making it imperative to adopt new, technology-driven approaches.
During meetings with officials from the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, Bhagwant Mann sought cooperation in areas such as water-efficient farming, precision agriculture, and sustainable crop management.
He expressed Punjab’s interest in adopting advanced agricultural systems, including automation, artificial intelligence, drones, and data-driven farming techniques. He also noted that greenhouse farming, though best suited for high-value crops, offers significant advantages in terms of resource efficiency and productivity.
The Chief Minister proposed partnerships between Punjab Agricultural University and leading Dutch institutions such as Wageningen University & Research to enhance applied research and innovation.
Learning from Dutch Models and Expanding Agri Value Chains
Bhagwant Mann also visited the Floriculture Auction Market at Aalsmeer, the world’s largest flower and plant marketplace, where he studied the Dutch auction system and its integrated model of production, logistics, and global distribution.
He said that Punjab aims to adopt similar models to strengthen its agri-value chains, improve market linkages, and enhance farmers’ income.
In his interaction with the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW), the Chief Minister highlighted opportunities for collaboration in sectors such as IT/ITeS, dairy, food processing, and agri-value chains, including potato production.
He noted that the evolving India–EU Free Trade Agreement is expected to open new avenues for trade and investment, benefiting both Punjab and the Netherlands.
Punjab Positioning Itself as a Global Agri-Investment Hub
Inviting global investors, Bhagwant Mann said Punjab offers a conducive ecosystem for investment, backed by progressive policies and a transparent governance framework. He highlighted initiatives such as the Industrial & Business Development Policy 2026 and the FastTrack Punjab Portal, which ensures time-bound approvals and ease of doing business.
Reaffirming his vision, the Chief Minister said that Punjab is committed to building a technology-driven, sustainable, and globally competitive agricultural and industrial economy.
The establishment of the Centre of Excellence for Basmati marks a crucial step in this direction, promising to reshape Punjab’s agricultural landscape by promoting diversification, innovation, and higher farmer incomes.
