Jammu, June 24: Much to the joy of the farming community and the state government, about 135 tonne Jammu Basmati has been exported to different countries, including USA and Middle East during 2011-12.
 The access to a wider overseas market has become possible following its inclusion in international grading standard by the centre.
 Pertinently, in 2010-11 about 63 tonne Basmati rice was exported by the state at Rs 5000 per quintal for the first time.
 After revoking ban on export of Basmati from J&K by the government in 2009, about 200 tonne of Basmati rice has been exported so far.
 The Basmati rice of Jammu region, particularly R S Pura Basmati variety is known for long grain, aroma and delicate flavour.
 Pertinently, to promote basmati cultivation and to protect the farmers from the “exploitation” by middle men/miller, the government of Jammu and Kashmir lifted ban on the export of basmati rice vide SRO No  268 dated 31-8-2009.
 Sources in the department informed that about 37,200 hectares is under Basmati rice cultivation in Jammu region and more than 100 mini shellers are operational in the rice producing areas of Jammu.
 Further, the state government has targeted to cover 66,000 hectares under basmati rice cultivation in next five years and to increase its quality and production under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY).
 On the request of the Agriculture Production Department of the state, the Government of India has relaxed the standards laid down for the export of the ‘Basmati’ rice and facilitated its inclusion into international grading standard.
 These moves have brought about spurt in export of basmati rice cultivated in R.S.Pura, Bishnah, Jammu, Akhnoor, Samba, Hiranagar and Kathua Tehsils of Jammu region.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 24 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 24 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT
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