New Delhi, May 14 -- India is poised for a significant boost in basmati rice production this Kharif season, with the cultivation area for short-duration varieties expected to increase by 7-10 per cent.

This shift is driven by farmers' preference for quicker-maturing crops that offer better returns and align with sustainable farming practices.

Short-duration basmati varieties, such as Pusa Basmati-1509, Pusa Basmati-1692, and Pusa Basmati-1847, mature in approximately 115-125 days, about 20-25 days earlier than traditional types.

This allows farmers to reduce input costs, manage stubble more effectively, and potentially cultivate an additional crop between harvests.

The anticipated increase in cultivation could push India's total basma...