A rice farmer in Punjab. Basmati rice output is likely to be the highest in Punjab this time.

In this photo taken Indian on April 23, 2008, cancer sufferer Mukthiar Singh (second right) sits with family members as they prepare to board a train in Punjab's Bhatinda. (Getty Images file photo)

BATHINDA: Basmati brought to grain markets in Punjab will now contribute to the cause of cancer treatment as the government has imposed a cess of 0.25% on this variety of rice from this season.Punjab marketing board authorities expect to collect around Rs 19 crore from this decision depending on the arrival of basmati in the market.State agencies are hopeful of basmati yield reaching 35-36 lakh tonnes this season. At present, it’s being sold at Rs 2,400-2,500 per quintal in the grain markets. The state had given a relaxation of 2% in market fee and rural development fund that purchasers had to pay earlier.The step assumes significance as basmati output is likely to be the highest in Punjab this time due to highest-ever acreage of about 20.40 lakh hectares. Average output per acre could be around 20 quintals.A separate bank account has been opened by state marketing board authorities where cancer cess will be collected. Every market committee across the state has been directed to send the daily cess collections to this account.The amount will be handed over to the state health department so that it can be used for treatment and care of cancer patients. Till October 8 more than 6 lakh tonne basmati had arrived in markets and the marketing board has collected over Rs 2 crore as cancer cess.Growing number of cancer cases has been ringing alarm bells in the state and as per the health department, over 33,500 people died of cancer during the past five years. There are more than 24,000 confirmed cases of cancer and about 85,000 people are suspected to have cancer symptoms in the state.Against the national average of 80 cancer patients per 1 lakh population, Punjab has 90 cases; for its Malwa region, the figure is 107 cases per lakh.Punjab marketing board secretary Deepinder Singh said cancer cess has been enforced for the first time in Punjab. Earlier, to provide assistance of up to Rs 1.5 lakh to cancer patients, Mukhya Mantri Punjab Cancer Rahat Kosh scheme was started on November 1, 2011. A total of 17,436 patients were provided Rs 205 crore under the scheme till September 19, 2014, said a senior health official.