Boosting Basmati Exports: Punjab Seeks Coordinated Efforts

Punjab Agriculture Secretary Shakeel Ahmad Mian has emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to boost Basmati rice exports. In a meeting of the Provincial Rice Management Committee, he highlighted that Basmati is an identity of Punjab and needs improvement in production, quality, and exports.

The meeting reviewed the current status of paddy crop cultivation in Punjab, with 6.7 million acres under cultivation this season. Mian directed officers to provide farmers with technical guidance on harvesting and ensured safe use of agricultural pesticides during the pre-harvest interval (PHI) of the paddy crop.

The secretary also promoted the use of Kubota and modern harvesters for efficient paddy harvesting, aiming for timely completion. He noted that the Punjab government has provided 10,000 super-seeders to farmers at subsidized rates, recommending their use for wheat cultivation after paddy harvesting to discourage burning crop residues.