Punjab is set for a bumper basmati crop this kharif season, with early indications pointing to a sharp improvement in yield and total production estimated at around 30 lakh tonnes, against 20 lakh tonnes last year.
The delayed rainfall and consequent late sowing have also contributed to a shift in cropping patterns this year. Basmati exporters are also optimistic about the season, citing firm demand and orders from overseas markets. “The season has opened on a positive note. “We have demand and orders. In such circumstances, we need the best-quality crop,” he added.
Basmati consumes at least 30% less water, matures early, can be sown late in July around the onset of the monsoon, and requires comparatively less fertiliser and pesticides. A large portion of the land that farmers would normally use for non-basmati crops, particularly maize, has been brought under the 1509 basmati, according to an official of the state agriculture department. The All India Basmati Rice Association has released its advance estimate of basmati sowing based on satellite imagery and field data available up to the first week of August 2026. Basmati acreage across the country has risen by around 1.6%, from 84.65 lakh acres last year to approximately 86 lakh acres this season, according to estimates.
Director (extension), Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, the expansion in basmati acreage is a win-win situation for Punjab farmers, according to Makhan Singh Bhullar. He said the premium crop also has the potential to substantially improve farmers’ incomes. At this stage, we suggest farmers bring mature and dry crops to the mandi,” said Ashok Sethi, director of the Basmati Exporters Association. He said exporters were looking for good quality, properly dried grain as it gives better processing results.
