Special schools for Punjab farmers

The agriculture department of Punjab has opened 'Kisan Khet Schools' to motivate the farmers to adopt new methods to produce export-quality Basmati rice, under the crop diversification programme.

"Basmati has good export value. The rice we export is expensive and to maintain its quality, farmers need to be careful about the use of pesticides and fertilisers," said Swatantar Kumar Aery, Chief Agricultural Officer, Jalandhar.

The agriculture department has been educating farmers on Basmati rice production and the protection technology for guarding against insects, pests and diseases, Aery added.

Farmers have given positive response by attending these specially organised classes hoping to acquaint themselves with the alternative production methods and to earn better returns. "The world is changing and if we are not educated we will lag behind," said Ranjit Singh, a farmer.

"Various agriculture experts will give tips and information to farmers for increasing productivity at these schools. Farmers will not only be informed about how the new Basmati crop can be doubled, but will also be able to learn through live demonstrations the use of equipment for Basmati cultivation", said an agricultural expert.

Currently, the scheme is limited only to a few villages. The agriculture department in association with IPM Centre will run the programme for 14 weeks. Jalandhar, Phillaur and Nakodar blocks have been selected for Basmati cultivation under the scheme.

India has the largest area under rice cultivation in the world. It is also the largest producer and exporter of Basmati. Punjab alone accounts for ten per cent of the total rice produced in the country. The Majha and Doaba regions are known as the rice bowl of Punjab and are world-famous for the finest quality of basmati.

The annual production in the country is around 10-15 lakh tonnes per year. Grown exclusively in the northern part of Western Punjab, the state has the major task of maintaining its lead.

The farming community as well as the production units expect to serve aromatic rice with a light and fluffy texture.