Punjab is looking at increasing the area under basmati in the coming paddy season, a plan stressed at the recently held Kisan Melas across the state. This is because of a surge in the demand for basmati seeds among the farmers.
“As of now we have not fixed any target, but we do expect an increase in the area under basmati,” said Dr Mangal Singh, director for agriculture. “It also depends on the availability of the seeds. Though the demand has been huge, we need to see whether we will be able to cater to that much demand; only a limited quantity of seeds can be given.”
Indeed, Punjab Agriculture University could not supply basmati seeds to all who were asking for them. In contrast, less than 25 per cent of the non-basmati stock was consumed.
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