اس آرٹیکل کو اردو میں پڑھنے کیلئے کلک کریں
Rice is Pakistan’s second-largest crop after wheat and the country’s biggest agricultural export earner. Basmati — grown mainly in central Punjab’s famous “Kallar tract” — commands premium prices in world markets, which makes getting the nursery and transplanting right worth real money.
This guide covers nursery raising, transplanting windows, approved varieties, spacing, and water management for basmati in Pakistan.
Nursery Raising: Timing Is Legally Regulated
Rice nurseries may not be raised before May 20 under the Punjab Agricultural Pests Ordinance — early nurseries are a cognizable offence, and district administrations actively plough up illegal nurseries. For basmati varieties, sow the nursery between May 15 and May 30 (IRRI-type varieties: May 20 – June 7).
Nursery seed rate: 4.5–5 kg per acre for basmati (wet-bed method). Prepare raised beds 1–1.5 m wide, keep 2–5 cm standing water, and seedlings are ready at 25–35 days old (5–6 leaf stage). Don’t let seedlings overstay — node formation in the nursery cuts tillering and yield.
Transplanting Time
- Super Basmati, Punjab Basmati 2, Pusa Basmati 1121: first fortnight of July
- Basmati 386, Basmati 370: second fortnight of July — these are photoperiod-sensitive; transplanting too early produces tall, leafy, lodging-prone crops with poor cooking quality
Transplant 2 seedlings per hill at 20 × 15 cm spacing (33 hills per sq. metre) in a well-puddled field. For late-transplanted crops, tighten to 15 × 15 cm to compensate for lost tillering time. Plant shallow — 2–3 cm depth gives better yields.
Approved Basmati Varieties
- Super Basmati — the classic export variety, excellent cooking quality
- Basmati 515 — high-performing, good results under varied water regimes
- Kainat 1121 (Pusa Basmati 1121) — extra-long grain, premium market price
- Punjab Basmati 2 — newer approved variety
- Basmati 386 / 370 — traditional aromatics for the second-fortnight window
Water & Fertilizer Management
- Irrigation: every 5–7 days depending on soil type; stop irrigation 10 days before harvest. Keep 2–5 cm standing water in early stages.
- Fertilizer: apply nitrogen and phosphorus as per recommendation for puddled transplanted basmati — typically ~2 bags urea + 1 bag DAP per acre in splits, adjusted to soil tests.
- Weeds: critical in the first 30 days — use pre-emergence herbicide or timely manual weeding.
Pest Watch
Stem borer (“deadhearts”), brown planthopper, and bacterial leaf blight are the main threats. Scout weekly from tillering; resistant varieties (like the newer basmati lines) cut spray costs significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should basmati nursery be sown in Pakistan?
May 15–30 for basmati varieties. Note: raising any rice nursery before May 20 violates Punjab law.
What is the best transplanting time for Super Basmati?
First fortnight of July. Basmati 386/370 go in the second fortnight of July.
How many seedlings per hill for basmati?
Two seedlings per hill at 20 × 15 cm spacing (33 hills per square metre).
Which basmati variety gives the highest price?
Kainat 1121 (Pusa Basmati 1121) typically commands the premium for its extra-long grain, followed by Super Basmati.