India
oi-Gaurav Sharma
Punjab is set to take a major step towards crop diversification and sustainable agriculture. With strenuous efforts of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for Basmati has been secured during his ongoing visit to the Netherlands. The initiative is aimed at strengthening farmers’ incomes and reducing overdependence on the wheat-paddy cycle.
As part of his visit, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann 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. The Chief Minister 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.”
During his Netherlands visit, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann secured a Centre of Excellence for Basmati from LT Foods to promote sustainable agriculture and farmer income, while exploring Dutch agri-tech for diversification and water-efficient farming.
He pointed out, “For the sake of the nation, the farmers of the state have over exploited its only available natural resources in terms of fertile land and water due to which the need of hour is to bring the farmers out of the rut of wheat-paddy circle.” Emphasising the way forward, he added, “For this purpose a major push is needed to crop diversification in the state adding that 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 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 Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “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 Centre of Excellence for Basmati Rice in Punjab, along with a pilot for assured procurement and low-pesticide cultivation.
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann also called for expediting collaboration between Dutch multinationals and Punjab Agricultural University 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 preposition due to which farmers are facing a lot of problems for their basic subsistence.” He further noted, “The production potential of the available technology of the crops had already been nearly exploited and has now almost reached a plateau in growth.”
The Chief Minister also visited the Floriculture Auction Market at 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, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann 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 of the Netherlands, including the use of automation, AI, drones, and data-driven crop management, as well as innovations in greenhouse farming,” he said.
Underscoring the role of technology-driven cultivation, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann 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 (Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers), CM Bhagwant Singh Mann 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, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Punjab offers a conducive ecosystem for investment.” He 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 & Business Development Policy 2026 and the FastTrack Punjab Portal, which ensures time-bound and transparent approvals.
Reaffirming the broader vision, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated the Punjab Government’s commitment to building a technology-driven, sustainable and globally integrated agri and industrial economy.
