OPTIMIZING TRANSPLANTING DATES FOR EXCELLENT GRAIN QUALITY IN BASMATI RICE OF PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

The timing of transplanting rice crop significantly impacts the grain quality of Basmati rice varieties. This study was conducted during the 2021 to 2024 cropping seasons at the Rice Research Institute, Kala Shah Kaku, Punjab, Pakistan, to determine the optimum transplanting time for achieving superior grain quality. Four transplanting dates (June 03, June 24, July 15, and August 06) were evaluated across five indigenous Basmati varieties, namely Super Basmati, Super Basmati 2019, PK 1121 Aromatic, PK 2021 Aromatic, and Vital Basmati. Results revealed that transplanting on July 15 recorded the highest head rice recovery (63–65%), kernel length (7.6–7.9 mm), and elongation ratio (1.85–1.92), thereby ensuring excellent milling quality. In contrast, transplanting on August 06 improved aroma scores (7.8/9) but reduced milling recovery (<55%). Early transplanting (June 03) resulted in comparatively lower physical grain quality and milling recovery. The findings suggest that to achieve optimum Basmati rice grain quality and ensure better economic returns, transplanting should ideally be completed by mid-July.