Chandigarh, April 22 (IANS) Punjab is set to take a major step towards crop diversification and sustainable agriculture. ​

With the efforts of the Chief Minister, the establishment of a centre of excellence for basmati has been secured during his ongoing visit to the Netherlands. ​

The initiative aims to strengthen farmers’ incomes and reduce overreliance on the wheat-paddy cycle, an official statement said. ​

As part of his visit, CM Mann explored best practices in agriculture and industry to benefit farmers, who have played a key role in making the country self-reliant in food production. ​

The Chief Minister said, “For the sake of the nation, farmers in Punjab have overexploited the state’s fertile land and water resources, making it essential to shift away from the wheat-paddy cycle.” ​

“For the sake of the nation, the farmers of the state have overexploited its only available natural resources in terms of fertile land and water, due to which the need of the hour is to bring the farmers out of the rut of wheat-paddy circle.” ​

Emphasising the way forward, he said, “For this purpose, a major push is needed to crop diversification and the Netherlands can duly help the state a lot in this noble cause.” ​

During his visit to the LT Foods facility in Rotterdam, the company shared its global presence across more than 80 countries and a strong linkage with over one lakh farmers. The visit focused on sustainable farming practices and expanding Punjab’s basmati footprint globally. ​

Stressing the importance of aligning with international standards, CM Mann said, “There is a need for sustainable farming, including reducing pesticide usage to meet international standards and to promote basmati rice in the international market.” ​

Following this engagement, LT Foods gave consent to establish a basmati centre of excellence in Punjab, along with a pilot for assured procurement and low-pesticide cultivation. ​

CM Mann also called for expediting collaboration between Dutch multinationals and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) for research and sustainable agriculture practices. ​

Highlighting the economic challenges in farming, he said, “With the squeezing margins of profit, agriculture is no longer a profitable proposition, due to which farmers are facing a lot of problems for their basic subsistence.” ​

He said the production potential of the available crop technologies had already been nearly exhausted and was now approaching a plateau in growth. ​

Extending an invitation to global investors, CM Mann invited Dutch companies to participate in upcoming agri-tech and industrial platforms, including engagements with CII. ​

He also highlighted the state’s progressive policy framework, including the Industrial and Business Development Policy of 2026 and the FastTrack Punjab Portal, which ensures time-bound, transparent approvals. ​

–IANS

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