Chandigarh, Sept. 4 -- Punjab is set for a bumper basmati crop this kharif season, with early indications pointing to a sharp improvement in yield and total production estimated at around 30 lakh tonnes, against 20 lakh tonnes last year.

The expected rise in output comes amid expansion in the area under premium grain cultivation, which has increased by at least 50,000 hectares to 6.76 lakh hectares (16.5 lakh acres).

The improved crop outlook has raised hopes among farmers, millers and traders of a profitable season, particularly as exporters are expected to procure heavily from the state following last year's flood-damaged crop.

Early-sown 1509 basmati varieties have started arriving in Punjab's mandis and are fetching prices of up to...