Question

What are the export potential of agri-zones from Punjab?

Answer 1

Basmati export zone a good point to begin
M. S. Bajwa

FOR diversifying from the rice- wheat cropping system there is a suggestion for setting up an "agri-export zone" for basmati rice in Punjab. However, some oppose the idea on the notion that rice, even basmati, should not be promoted, as it is a water-intensive crop. It has to be realised that since this aromatic rice, basmati, has a lot of export potential if the produce can meet the desired quality standards, the creation of a distinct zone for its cultivation and export is a step in the right direction.

The diversion of some areas from non-basmati rice (grown during early June to October) to traditional aromatic basmati (grown during mid/end of July to October-end) in this zone can be expected to decrease groundwater use. In fact, due to the favourable agro-climatic conditions (mainly low temperature during the ripening period) in northern parts of Punjab this zone should have a focused agenda to produce export-quality aromatic basmati rice.

Management ease

In this basmati-specific zone, it will be possible to maintain quality of the produce by giving due consideration to the selection of an export-oriented basmati variety, soil suitability for basmati cultivation, quality irrigation water, pest (stem borer, foot rot smut, leaf miner, etc.) problems and their management, implementation of demand-driven quality control measures, remunerative marketing system (promotion, intelligence, favourable price structure), cost-effective and eco-friendly production for profit maximisation and conservation of the agro-ecosystem, etc. The involvement of public and private organisations will be essential.

To maintain purity/quality, it should be ensured that farmers in this zone grow only the identified (demand-driven) aromatic basmati rice and not any other variety. Separate zones may be created for different kinds of high-yielding non-aromatic Pusa-Basmati or other aromatic/ non- aromatic varieties. The improved varieties (e.g. Pusa-Basmati) may give a higher yield but at the cost of the exquisite aroma of the traditional basmati-rice. Variety identity must be ensured even within different aromatic basmati varieties (e.g. Basmati-370, Basmati-385, etc.).

Literature tells us that the quality of basmati (aroma in particular) has much to do with the soil and agro-climatic conditions of the zones under which the crop is grown. The fragrance in the traditional basmati has been reported to be due to the presence of a large number of aromatic compounds (2-actyl-l-pyrroline dominates, and many others) which are formed initially in the plant when it flowers, then get transferred to the grains, where they remain preserved if temperatures remain cool during the ripening stage. The formation of aromatic compounds in basmati rice is controlled by a specific genetic (DNA) character, which gets expressed only under specific ago-climatic conditions.


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Answer 2

The export potential of agriculture zones of Punjab include Basmati rice.

Explanation:

• Rice are planted around the month of September between the monsoon and the autumn.
• This crop requires a lot of sunlight.
• Hence it is never cultivated in the shadow.
• Also they require plenty of water, hence are ideal for cultivation at the end of monsoon. This is mainly cultivated in the tropical and subtropical belt .
• This is because the ideal temperature required for its cultivation is around 25-30 degree Celsius. Their should be sufficient space between two plants.