To promote the Basmati of Kotkapura, Basmati Export Development Foundation, APEDA, Ministry of Commerce, Government of India organize awareness programmes on Pesticide Residue Free Basmati production at Kotkapura district Faridkot Punjab with coordination of All India Rice Exporter Association on dated 28 and 29th June 2023. About 500 farmers attended the workshop in the programs. Dr Ritesh Sharma, Principal Scientist, APEDA informed that India earn maximum foreign revenue by export of rice and the quality of the Basmati produced in Kotkapaura is excellent. We earned 38542 carore by export of Basmati during 2022-23in 150 countries. We have very good demand from the globe, but due to discrimination use of pesticides, the residue defected in basmati consignment affect Basmati export. We are providing training to the farmers to produce pesticide residue free Basmati with the support of State Governments. Dr Brajendra, principal scientist from Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad informed about the soil health. He developed a rapid Soil Testing Kit to test the soil in the villages by the villagers. Dr Brajendra demonstrated the soil testing kit and trained the farmers for soil testing. By this the soil of each farmer of Kotkapura will test and proper nutrient will be use, which is important for pesticide residue free Basmati.
Sh Vinod Kaul, Executive Director, All India Rice Exporters Association, informed about export scenario and challenges in Basmati export. He said to use pesticides only after consultation with the Scientists. Right dose- right time and right pesticide need to spray only when it recommended. Ha also said to not use of banned pesticides. Mr Karanjit singh Gill, Chief Agriculture Officer, Shri Hari Krisan Goyal, Sanyam goyal also addressed to the participants. Sh. Raj kanwar sobti c/o LT overseas Amritsar was also present. One Basmati exporter M/s Shree Krishna rice and general Mills announced a bonus to the farmers who grow pesticide residue free basmati.