Punjab is set to take a major step towards crop diversification and sustainable agriculture. Through the concerted efforts of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, 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 overdependence on the wheat-paddy cycle.
As part of his visit, the Chief Minister explored best practices in agriculture and industry to benefit Punjab’s farmers, who have played a key role in making the country self-reliant in food production. He noted, “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.”
He further stated, “For the sake of the nation, the farmers of the state have overexploited their only available natural resources—fertile land and water—due to which the need of the hour is to bring them out of the rut of the wheat-paddy cycle.” Emphasising the way forward, he added, “For this purpose, a major push for crop diversification is needed in the state. The Netherlands can significantly support Punjab in this noble cause.”
During his visit to the LT Foods facility in Rotterdam, the company shared details of its global presence across more than 80 countries and its 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, the Chief Minister said, “There is a need for sustainable farming, including reducing pesticide usage, to meet international standards and promote basmati rice in the global market.” Following this engagement, LT Foods agreed to establish a Centre of Excellence for Basmati Rice in Punjab, along with a pilot project for assured procurement and low-pesticide cultivation.
The Chief Minister also called for expediting collaboration between Punjab Agricultural University and Dutch multinationals for research and sustainable agricultural practices. Highlighting the economic challenges in farming, he said, “With shrinking profit margins, agriculture is no longer a profitable proposition, due to which farmers are facing difficulties in meeting their basic needs.” He further noted, “The production potential of available crop technologies has already been largely exploited and has nearly reached a plateau.”
The Chief Minister also visited the Floriculture Auction Market Aalsmeer, the world’s largest flower and plant marketplace, where he observed the Dutch auction system and its highly integrated ecosystem of production, logistics, and global distribution. He emphasised Punjab’s intent to adopt similar models to strengthen agri-value chains and enhance farmers’ incomes.
In a detailed meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature, Government of the Netherlands, led by senior officials including the Director-General for Agriculture, the Chief Minister highlighted the strong India–Netherlands partnership in agriculture.
He sought cooperation in water-efficient farming and crop diversification, enhancing productivity through technology and precision agriculture, and promoting sustainable and regenerative farming practices. “Punjab is keen to adopt advanced agricultural systems from the Netherlands, including automation, AI, drones, and data-driven crop management, as well as innovations in greenhouse farming,” he said.
Underscoring the role of technology-driven cultivation, the Chief Minister noted that greenhouse farming offers efficiency in water and energy use but is best suited for high-value crops. He also proposed potential partnerships between Punjab Agricultural University and leading Dutch institutions such as Wageningen University & Research, particularly in applied research, innovation, and knowledge exchange.
During his meeting with the leadership of VNO-NCW, the Chief Minister stressed the need to build a structured partnership to facilitate sustained engagement between Dutch companies and Punjab.
He highlighted that the evolving India–EU Free Trade Agreement is expected to create new opportunities for trade and investment, noting that both Punjab and the Netherlands can mutually benefit in sectors such as IT/ITeS, dairy, food processing, and agri-value chains, including potato production.
Extending an invitation to global investors, he said, “Punjab offers a conducive ecosystem for investment.” He invited Dutch companies to participate in upcoming agri-tech and industrial platforms, including engagements with the Confederation of Indian Industry.
He also highlighted the state’s progressive policy framework, including the Industrial & Business Development Policy 2026 and the FastTrack Punjab Portal, which ensures time-bound and transparent approvals.
Reaffirming the broader vision, the Chief Minister reiterated the Punjab Government’s commitment to building a technology-driven, sustainable, and globally integrated agricultural and industrial economy.