Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday called for speeding up collaboration between Dutch multinational companies and Punjab Agricultural University to promote research and sustainable agricultural practices in the state.
Mann, currently on a visit to the Netherlands as part of the government’s investment promotion outreach, explored advanced agricultural and industrial practices that could benefit Punjab’s farmers. Punjab’s farmers had played crucial role in making the country self-reliant in food production.
"For the sake of the nation, farmers in Punjab have overexploited the state's fertile land and water resources, making it essential to shift away from the wheat-paddy cycle," he said.
Speaking about the future direction of farming, Mann stressed that crop diversification is the need of the hour. He said the Netherlands can significantly support Punjab in achieving this transition towards sustainable agriculture.
During his visit to the LT Foods facility in Rotterdam, company officials shared details of their global operations spread across over 80 countries and their strong association with over one lakh farmers.
The discussions focused on adopting sustainable farming practices and expanding the global footprint of Punjab’s basmati rice.
Highlighting the need to meet international standards, Mann said sustainable farming methods must be promoted, including reduced pesticide use, to strengthen basmati exports in global markets.
After the interaction, LT Foods agreed to establish a Centre of Excellence for Basmati Rice in Punjab along with a pilot project for assured procurement and low-pesticide cultivation.
Referring to the economic pressures faced by farmers, Mann said agriculture is becoming less profitable due to shrinking margins, creating serious livelihood challenges. He added that crop productivity has nearly reached its peak with existing technologies, leaving limited scope for further growth without innovation.
Mann also visited the Floriculture Auction Market at Aalsmeer, the world’s largest flower and plant marketplace. There, he observed the Dutch auction system and its integrated model of production, logistics, and global distribution. He said Punjab aims to adopt similar systems to strengthen agricultural value chains and improve farmers’ incomes.
During a detailed meeting with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature of the Netherlands, attended by senior officials including the Director-General for Agriculture, Mann highlighted the strong agricultural partnership between India and the Netherlands.
“Punjab is keen to adopt advanced agricultural technologies from the Netherlands, including automation, artificial intelligence, drones, data-driven crop management, and innovations in greenhouse farming,” he said.
He also proposed collaboration between Punjab Agricultural University and leading Dutch institutions such as Wageningen University & Research for applied research, innovation, and knowledge exchange.
In a meeting with leaders of VNO-NCW (Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers), Mann emphasised the need for a structured partnership to encourage sustained engagement between Dutch companies and Punjab. He said the proposed India-EU Free Trade Agreement is expected to open new avenues for trade and investment. Mann noted that Punjab and the Netherlands can benefit mutually in sectors such as IT/ITeS, dairy, food processing, agri-value chains, and potato production.
Inviting global investors, Mann said Punjab offers a favourable ecosystem for investment. He encouraged Dutch companies to participate in upcoming agri-tech and industrial platforms, including engagements with industry body CII.
Also read: Interest-free wheat loan approved for Group-D staff in Punjab
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