Gajansoo (Jammu): The sowing season for the world-renowned Basmati paddy has commenced across the border belts of Jammu division, with the crop expected to cover nearly 63,000 hectares of land in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts, officials said on Sunday.
Known globally for its distinctive aroma and superior grain quality, Jammu Basmati remains one of the region’s most important cash crops. The highly aromatic rice grown in the R S Pura belt was granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2016, enhancing its recognition in domestic and international markets.
Dressed in traditional farm attire, scores of labourers braved scorching temperatures to transplant paddy seedlings in waterlogged fields across Gajansoo, Marh, R S Pura, Arnia and Bishnah areas along the Indo-Pak border.
“We are happy that the paddy sowing season has begun. Despite the prevailing heatwave conditions, transplantation work is progressing at a good pace,” said Dheeraj, a farm labourer engaged in the activity.
Director Agriculture Jammu Anil Gupta said the sowing season had begun in the traditional Basmati-growing areas of the border districts and efforts were underway to further expand cultivation.
Basmati is a major crop in Jammu division, particularly in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts. It is cultivated over nearly 63,000 hectares and we are making continuous efforts to promote and expand its cultivation,” Gupta told PTI.
He said annual Basmati production in the region stood at around 20 lakh quintals.
“Nearly 16 lakh quintals are consumed within the country, while around four to five lakh quintals are marketed outside the region and exported,” he said.
Officials said several popular varieties, including Basmati-370, Basmati-564, Pusa Basmati-1121, Pusa Basmati-1718 and Jammu Basmati-123, were being cultivated by farmers and enjoyed strong demand in national and international markets.
Gupta said Jammu Basmati’s GI-tag status had provided the crop with a unique identity and strengthened its market value globally.
“The GI tag recognises the special qualities of Jammu Basmati linked to its geographical origin and has helped establish its reputation across the world,” he said.
R.S. Pura Basmati, regarded as one of Jammu’s most prized agricultural products, is known for its extra-long slender grains, rich aroma and excellent cooking quality. The variety enjoys a distinct identity in domestic and overseas markets owing to the unique agro-climatic conditions of the region.
The Agriculture Department is promoting Basmati cultivation under various government programmes aimed at enhancing farmers’ incomes and boosting agricultural exports.
The renowned Basmati grown in the R.S. Pura and Bishnah belts of Jammu district is particularly sought after for its aroma, cooking quality and long-grain characteristics, making it one of the most recognised rice varieties produced in the Union Territory.
Agriculture experts attribute the exceptional quality of R.S. Pura Basmati to the fertile alluvial soil, favourable climatic conditions and traditional farming practices followed by growers in the area.
Known for its premium quality and high market value, Jammu Basmati has emerged as a key source of livelihood for thousands of farming families in the border belt. The aromatic rice continues to strengthen the region’s agricultural economy while enhancing Jammu’s reputation as a producer of world-class Basmati rice. (PTI)
