“The 370 Basmati is a vulnerable crop. Windstorm was witnessed in the Jammu plains where this variety of paddy is sown,” Rathore said, adding, “This is a premium crop and gives good return to growers”. As reported earlier, the height of Ranbir Basmati crop is more as compared to other verities of paddy crop so the impact of Thursday’s high-velocity storm was more on this indigenous variety. The variety, grown in the Jammu plains, exclusively in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts, is famous for its long grain and fragrance. It has natural pest resistance. Unlike other parts of the country, the per-hectare use of pesticides is less in the plains of Jammu. Jammu produces one lakh metric tonnes of exotic varieties of basmati rice in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts in areas along the 198-km International Border with Pakistan. Around 30,000 metric tonnes is exported every year. The areas where basmati is produced in Jammu fall between the floodplains of the Chenab, the Tawi, the Basantar river and scores of rivulets which bring mineral-rich soil from the Himalayas and the Shivalik mountains during rains. Estimates indicate that 50,000 hectares in the state are under cultivation of different basmati varieties. Around 40,000 hectares fall in Jammu district and 10,000 hectares in Samba and Kathua. Source - https://www.tribuneindia.com