Basmati Paddy Sowing Begins in Jammu Border Belt, Crop Expected to Cover 63,000 Hectares

The sowing season for the world-renowned Basmati paddy has commenced across the border belts of Jammu division, with cultivation expected to cover nearly 63,000 hectares across Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts , officials said on Sunday.

The beginning of transplantation marks an important phase for one of the region’s most significant cash crops , which continues to play a vital role in the agricultural economy of Jammu division, particularly in the fertile border areas along the Indo-Pak boundary.

Known globally for its distinctive aroma, extra-long grains, and superior cooking quality , Jammu Basmati enjoys strong demand in both domestic and international markets. The variety grown in the R.S. Pura belt received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2016 , further strengthening its identity and market recognition worldwide.

Despite scorching summer temperatures and prevailing heatwave conditions , farm labourers were seen actively engaged in paddy transplantation across key areas such as Gajansoo, Marh, R.S. Pura, Arnia, and Bishnah . Workers, dressed in traditional farm attire, continued field operations in waterlogged fields, reflecting the seasonal urgency of the crop cycle.

“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 involved in the activity.

According to officials, the sowing process has started in the traditional Basmati-growing belts and efforts are underway to further expand cultivation in the coming seasons.

Director Agriculture Jammu Anil Gupta said the crop remains a cornerstone of agriculture in the region. “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,” he said.

He added that the region’s annual Basmati production stands at around 20 lakh quintals , reflecting its strong output capacity. Of this total production, approximately 16 lakh quintals are consumed within the country , while around four to five lakh quintals are marketed outside the region and exported , he noted.

Officials said several popular varieties of Basmati rice are currently being cultivated, including Basmati-370, Basmati-564, Pusa Basmati-1121, Pusa Basmati-1718, and Jammu Basmati-123 , all of which enjoy strong demand in national and international markets due to their quality and aroma.

The GI tag awarded to Jammu Basmati has significantly enhanced its global reputation and market value , officials said. “The GI tag recognises the special qualities of Jammu Basmati linked to its geographical origin and has helped establish its reputation across the world,” Gupta said.

Agriculture experts attribute the exceptional quality of R.S. Pura Basmati to a combination of fertile alluvial soil, favourable climatic conditions, and traditional farming practices followed by growers in the region. These natural and human factors contribute to the crop’s unique aroma and grain structure.

R.S. Pura and Bishnah belts remain among the most prominent production zones, with Jammu Basmati widely regarded as one of the region’s most valuable agricultural products. Its extra-long slender grains and rich fragrance have helped it maintain a distinct identity in both domestic and overseas markets.

The Agriculture Department is also promoting Basmati cultivation under various government initiatives aimed at boosting farmers’ income, improving productivity, and enhancing agricultural exports from the Union Territory.

With sustained demand and strong export potential, Jammu Basmati continues to be a key source of livelihood for thousands of farming families in the border region, strengthening both rural incomes and the agricultural economy of the area.