The report highlights that basmati grown in the districts of Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and parts of Tarn Taran is witnessing higher demand ...
Punjab Farmers in Majha Region Shift to Basmati Cultivation for Better Returns and Sustainability
Farmers in Punjab’s Majha region are increasingly shifting towards basmati cultivation, driven by three key factors: lower water usage, growing international demand, and the opportunity to cultivate a third crop between seasons, Times News Network reported.
According to the report, despite only marginal differences in earnings compared to traditional paddy—and with paddy offering slightly higher yields—farmers are opting for basmati.
Tejinder Singh, Chief Executive Officer of Amar Singh Chawla Wala, the company behind the popular Lal Qila basmati brand, was quoted saying, “Unlike paddy, basmati requires significantly less water, which aligns with the government’s advisory on promoting sustainable farming amid increasing water scarcity. Early-maturing basmati varieties like PUSA 1509 also allow farmers to grow a third crop — typically vegetables such as potatoes or peas — between the wheat and rice cycles, boosting their overall income.”
The report highlights that basmati grown in the districts of Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and parts of Tarn Taran is witnessing higher demand compared to other regions.
Basmati also fetches a better market price than traditional paddy. Last year, basmati was sold at over rupees 3,300 per quintal, while paddy was sold at around rupees 2,400 under the Minimum Support Price (MSP) scheme.
Early-maturing basmati varieties such as PUSA 1509 enable farmers to introduce a third crop between the rice and wheat seasons, enhancing their earnings. Farmers are increasingly adopting newer varieties like PUSA 1121, 1509, and 1692, which are known for their high yield and resistance to diseases, according to Dr. Baljinder Singh Bhullar, Chief Agriculture Officer.
The report also noted that farmers are optimistic about basmati prices this season, especially due to geopolitical developments, particularly the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, which is expected to influence international demand and pricing.
