By Ansh Singh
New Delhi: India’s premium Basmati Rice sector is getting a fresh push with a new long term project focused on farmers, technology, and exports. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has signed a 70-year lease agreement to set up a Basmati and organic farming training centre in Pilibhit, a region already known for its strong rice production.
The upcoming centre will be built on around seven acres in Tanda Bijaisi and is planned as more than just a training facility. It will act as a complete learning and support hub for farmers, students, and agriculture experts.
The campus will include training halls, a laboratory, storage spaces for organic inputs, and even a museum that explains the journey of Basmati rice and organic farming in a simple and interactive way.
What makes this project stand out is its focus on both traditional and modern farming methods. Farmers will not only learn better cultivation techniques but also get hands-on exposure to organic practices, which are becoming more important as global demand shifts toward chemical-free food. Once ready, this will be India’s first centre that combines Basmati and organic farming training in one place.
At the launch event, Union Minister Jitin Prasada highlighted that Pilibhit has the potential to become a key hub for Basmati production in India. He encouraged farmers to adopt organic farming and suggested adding features like an AI-based interactive museum to make learning easier, especially for young students and visitors. He also proposed setting up a dedicated outlet where farmers can easily access quality seeds and organic inputs.
Alongside this, APEDA has introduced a major technology-driven initiative, an AI-based Basmati paddy survey project for 2026–2028. This project, in partnership with the All India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA), aims to bring better accuracy and planning into farming and exports.
The scale of this project is significant. It will cover nearly 4 million hectares of farmland and connect with over 500,000 farmers. Data will be collected from more than 150,000 ground points, helping experts track crop conditions, identify rice varieties, and offer timely advice to farmers. This means farmers can make better decisions, reduce losses, and improve the overall quality of their produce.
This step is important because Basmati rice is one of India’s strongest agricultural exports. As a Geographical Indication (GI) product, it is valued worldwide for its aroma and long grains. In 2025–26 alone, India exported Basmati worth about USD 5.67 billion, with total volumes reaching around 6.5 million metric tonnes. Countries in the Middle East, Europe, and North America remain key buyers, and demand for organic Basmati is rising steadily.
The new centre in Pilibhit will also support research. It has been selected under the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP), making it an official site for testing new Basmati varieties. This will help scientists develop crops that are better suited to local weather conditions and more resistant to challenges like pests and climate changes.
Experts believe that combining research, farmer training, and AI technology can solve many existing problems in the sector. Today, farmers often struggle with unpredictable weather, changing market demands, and the high cost of organic certification. With proper training and data-based guidance, these challenges can be reduced over time.
APEDA is also focusing on helping farmers shift toward organic farming by supporting certification and connecting them to better markets. Organic Basmati usually sells at higher prices, which can improve farmer income if managed correctly.
If the project delivers as planned, it could not only improve exports but also create a more stable and profitable future for farmers in the region.