Chandigarh, April 22: Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has finalized a deal to set up a Center of Excellence for Basmati in Punjab, a move designed to enhance farm incomes and protect the state’s dwindling natural resources. Speaking from the Netherlands on Wednesday, the Chief Minister affirmed that the partnership with Dutch experts would provide the necessary push for crop diversification and the adoption of regenerative farming practices.
The visit included detailed discussions with the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture regarding water-efficient farming and greenhouse innovations. The Chief Minister declared that Punjab is keen to adopt advanced agricultural systems, including the use of automation, AI, drones, and data-driven crop management. He asserted that the production potential of currently available technology has reached a plateau, necessitating a shift toward high-value crops and modern logistics.
In a move to strengthen international trade ties, the Chief Minister also met with the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers to discuss sectors like food processing, dairy, and IT. Bhagwant Singh Mann maintained that the evolving India-EU Free Trade Agreement creates new opportunities for mutual benefit. He stated that the Netherlands can help the state a lot in the noble cause of diversification, especially as Punjab looks to shift its focus toward global markets.
To ensure the success of these initiatives, the state is promoting the FastTrack Punjab Portal for seamless industrial approvals. The Chief Minister affirmed that the government’s vision is to transition toward a sustainable, technology-heavy agricultural model. He stated that by reducing pesticide use and promoting basmati in the international market, the state can secure a better economic future for its farming community while checking the over-exploitation of its fertile land.
