Basmati & Organic Training & Demo Farm and AI-Powered Paddy Survey Launched

The upcoming centre will be developed over approximately seven acres at Tanda Bijaisi, Pilibhit, a region increasingly recognized as a key Basmati-producing hub in North India.

In a landmark initiative aimed at transforming India's premium Basmati rice sector, the Government has formalised the establishment of the country's first Basmati & Organic Training Centre-cum-Demonstration Farm in Pilibhit, alongside launching an ambitious AI-driven Basmati Paddy Survey project covering millions of hectares.

The project, spearheaded by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Government, marks a decisive step towards modernising cultivation practices, enhancing exports, and promoting sustainable agriculture.

70-Year Lease Secures Long-Term Vision

The initiative has been anchored through a 70-year lease agreement between APEDA, the Department of Agriculture, and the Government of Uttar Pradesh, ensuring long-term institutional commitment to strengthening the Basmati ecosystem.

The upcoming centre will be developed over approximately seven acres at Tanda Bijaisi, Pilibhit, a region increasingly recognized as a key Basmati-producing hub in North India.

India's First Integrated Basmati Organic Training Facility

Once operational, the centre will become India's first integrated facility combining conventional and organic Basmati cultivation training, bridging the gap between traditional farming knowledge and modern scientific practices.

The centre will feature:

• Auditorium and conference facilities for training programmes

• A museum and gallery showcasing Basmati heritage and organic farming practices

• Laboratory infrastructure for research and testing

• Storage facilities for organic inputs and seeds

Designed as a knowledge and capacity-building hub, the facility will serve:

• Farmers transitioning to organic cultivation

• Agricultural researchers and extension workers

• Students and agri-entrepreneurs

Its strategic location is expected to benefit farmers across Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, strengthening regional agricultural productivity.

Pilibhit Emerges as a Basmati Innovation Hub

Union Minister of State Shri Jitin Prasada highlighted Pilibhit's growing importance in the Basmati value chain, emphasising the need to expand organic farming and deepen farmer participation.

He proposed integrating an AI-based interactive museum within the centre to provide immersive learning experiences and suggested setting up a dedicated outlet for certified Basmati seeds and organic inputs, ensuring farmers have access to quality resources.

AI-Based Basmati Survey to Transform Crop Intelligence

In a parallel major announcement, the government unveiled India's first AI-based Basmati Paddy Survey (2026–2028)—a large-scale data-driven initiative aimed at revolutionizing crop assessment and planning.

Key highlights of the project include:

• Coverage of nearly 4 million hectares of Basmati cultivation area

• Collection of data from over 150,000 ground-truth points

• Direct engagement with more than 500,000 farmers

The AI-powered system will enable:

• Accurate crop estimation and yield forecasting

• Varietal identification and mapping

• Delivery of scientific advisories to farmers

• Improved export planning and supply chain management

The project will be implemented by APEDA in collaboration with the All-India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA), marking a significant leap towards precision agriculture in India.

Boost to Research and Innovation

The upcoming centre has also been designated as an All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) centre, placing it among the country's key hubs for Basmati research.

With this, Pilibhit becomes the third AICRP centre in Uttar Pradesh's Basmati GI zone, alongside Nagina (Bijnor) and Modipuram.

This designation will enable:

• Scientific trials of new Basmati varieties

• Region-specific crop adaptation research

• Enhanced collaboration between research institutions and farmers

Basmati Sector: A Major Export Powerhouse

India's Basmati rice sector continues to be a cornerstone of agricultural exports:

• Export value: USD 5.67 billion (FY 2025–26)

• Export volume: ~6.5 million metric tonnes

• Strong demand across Middle East, Europe, and North America

As a Geographical Indication (GI) product, Basmati rice holds a premium position in global markets, making quality enhancement and traceability critical for sustained growth.

Driving Sustainable and Organic Agriculture

APEDA's efforts are aligned with rising global demand for environmentally sustainable and organic food products. Through:

• Farmer training programmes

• Certification support

• Market linkage initiatives

the government is encouraging a shift towards organic and climate-resilient farming practices, enhancing both farmer incomes and export competitiveness.

Towards a Tech-Driven, Export-Oriented Agriculture

The convergence of infrastructure development, AI-driven analytics, and research integration signals a new phase in India's agricultural transformation.

With Pilibhit emerging as a centre of excellence for Basmati innovation, the initiative is expected to:

• Improve farm productivity and quality standards

• Strengthen global competitiveness of Indian Basmati

• Empower farmers with technology and knowledge

• Boost export revenues and rural incomes

As India continues to modernize its agri-value chains, such initiatives are set to position the country as a global leader in premium, sustainable rice production.