Production of basmati rice

Prof. ( Dr ). R.D. Gupta
Rice is one of the most important cereals that holds the key towards food security. It constitutes the staple food for more than 70 per cent of the people dwelling in Asia, where about 90 percent rice is produced. However, India and Pakistan are considered to be the wholly solely monopoly of Basmati rice production in the world to the tune of 4 million tonnes ( Mt ). Out of this 4 Mt production, Pakistan claims that it produces 2.2 Mt, whereas India yields 1.8 Mt with an export of Basmati rice accounting for 1.1 Mt worth Rs 3,03092 crores.
The bumper Basmati rice crop production in 2006, has further raised  its exports. India has been so much competitive, that Pakistan was simply out priced, especially in European Market. India’s Pusa Basmati is selling at US dollars 480-520 per tonne almost equivalent to Pakistan’s Super Basmati at about US dollars 480-530 per tonne despite the fact that Pakistanis exporters have an enormous exchange rate advantage. Now India has started to export basmati blend to Iran. A section of the traders however, feel that blending is eroding the image of pure basmati rice in the world.
A Brief About Basmati Rice:
Basmati is a rice variety of long grain size, usually atleast about 7mm in length. It is famous for its fragrance and delicate flavour and its name refers to “Queen of Fragrance” in Hindi. Basmati variety was first developed at Kala Shah Kaku Farm by the scientists of the then Indian Agriculture College Loyal Pur now in Pakistan during the year 1933. The original variety is known as Basmati 370. The most famous subsequent derivatives are basmati 386, Taravari basmati and Pakistani  basmati. Presently, in India Pusa 1121 variety is the most predominant due to high yield long grain but with less aroma, is liked in abroad. Dehraduni basmati rice variety is also most prized in abroad. Even  the Dehraduni variety, the basmati grown in a location called Tapovan is said to be the superb.
In Jammu and Kashmir, presently 5 varieties of basmati rice are being cultivated. These are basmati 370, Ranbir basmati, Sanwal, Hybrid PHB71 and Pusa 2511. Apart from these varieties ,basmati rice variety  Pusa 1121 has also proved suitable to grow, especially in Kathua area. It is as per the latest technologies of this variety tested under Front line Demonstrations conducted by the scientists of Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kathua. However, basmati rice is mostly grown in Jammu district followed by that of Kathua and Samba districts. According to rough estimate nearly 2.5 lakh families in R S Pura, Bishnah and Marh areas eke out their living by cultivating basmati rice which is famous all over India and its neighbouring countries for its   farmers of these regions had been cultivating basmati on 42,000 ha producing about 2.5 lakh subtle aroma, long grain  and delicious taste. During a normal monsoon season in the past, the metric tonnes of basmati(Khajuria,2012). However, during 2009 and 2012 due to weak monsoon, the yield of basmati rice was reduced tremendously.
Cultivation of Basmati Rice
i).    Transplanting of the seedlings : Prior to transplanting the seedlings 2,3 ploughings followed by harrowing and pudding of the soil is essential. Thereafter transplanting is resorted from 15th June to ending July depending up on the availability of water. Two to three seedlings are required to be transplanted per hill by maintaining spacing of 20 X 10 cm.
Twenty five to thirty days old seedlings are required to be transplanted and not beyond this age. More aged seedlings create obstacle in growing of the plants due to occurrence   of more content of lignin.
Seedlings required for transplanting are raised in the nursery using 40 kg seed ha-1 which are normally sown during mid to end of May.
ii).    Application of fertilizers : It would be much better if the worthy peasants are advocated to use fertilizers on the basis of soil test. Soil test is a chemical test which shows salinity, sodicity, calcareousness and acidity of the soils as well as deficiency of plant nutrients. However, in the absence of soil test, the doses of NPK fertilizers be followed as per the recommendations given in the Package of Practices formulated by the SKUAST Jammu / Srinagar.
It is worth while to mention that while application of N,P,K fertilizers their ratio must be maintained in the form of 4 : 2 : 1
iii).    Management of Water : Basmati rice being typically suitable for water – logged soils remain under submerged conditions. Latest research conducted by the scientists of SKUAST,Jammu has revealed that at least 5 cm depth of water should be maintained in  water logged soils immediately after transplanting the basmati rice. However, after the panicle formation, the farmers should follow alternate wetting and drying till maturity.  Prior to about 3 weeks of its harvesting, irrigation should be ceased.
iv).    Control of Weeds : Try to control the weeds mechanically. If it is not feasible, apply butachlor ( 5 % granule ) @ 30 kg ha-1 immediately after transplanting the seedlings in 2-3 cm deep water.
v).    Harvesting : When 80 per cent of the grains become golden yellow in colour, harvest the crop and then thresh it immediately.
Priorities for the Furture
Organic Basmati production :  There is a growing awareness and demand for organic agriculture produce in the national and international markets in view of the health hazards of the pesticide and chemical fertilizer residues. Hence, the organic cultivation of basmati  rice requires  to be popularised and needs to be taken up in large scale wherever it is possible.
Cultivation of traditional Basmati:   There is a need to promote the cultivation of traditional basmati rice as it is highly aromatic and possesses a great export potential.
Coordinated efforts :  There is strong need for coordinated efforts for refinement, production and export orientation of basmati in production and marketing with local farmers, experts and scientists from different national level agencies. This will help to identify and resolve the bottle necks for providing deeper insight into the prospects in the state.
Instalation of tube wells : The tube wells which have totally become defunct installed by the irrigation department must be revived on priority. This will ensure constant of water essential for transplanting of basmati rice and producing aroma and sheen in it.
Minimum support price fixation :  As the prices of diesel, fertilizer, pesticides have increased many folds but there is no increase in price of paddy including basmati rice, so minimum support price of the basmati rice requires to be fixed regularly.
Provision of more funds :   As now a days there is change of climate, so time has come for the government to formulate a strategy keeping in view the climate change. More and more funds should be sanctioned by the government for putting in place a proper system of irrigation to tackle the impact of deficient monsoon on basmati rice.
Proper supply of electricity :   The government should ask the concerned officers / officials to ensure a proper supply of electricity so that the ground water could be  utilized properly through tube wells.
Screeing of basmati varieties : Other fine Basmati rice varirties like Dehraduni and Tapovan need to be screened in order to ascertain their suitability under Jammu climatic conditions.

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