Global Rice News

A long-standing dispute between India and Pakistan not only involves border territories but also revolves around basmati, the renowned fragrant rice with elongated grains. Both countries, as the main world producers and exporters of this cereal, have separately requested the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) mark from the European Union for basmati produced in their respective territories. However, a decision has yet to be made.

Basmati is predominantly grown in northern India, on the slopes of the Himalayas, and on the Indus and Ganges plains. The issue stems from the fact that India and Pakistan became separate states in 1947, following the partition of the Indian subcontinent. The birth of these countries was marked with enormous tensions, mass migration, and violence, leading to millions of deaths. Today, some border areas remain disputed.

India is the largest exporter of basmati globally, while Pakistan is the largest exporter to the European Union. In 2022, over 200,000 tonnes of Pakistani basmati rice were exported to Europe, compared to around 100,000 tonnes of Indian basmati. Previously, two-thirds of basmati rice in Europe came from Pakistan, and one-third from India. The weight of Pakistani exports largely depends on compliance with cultivation standards imposed by European Union countries.

To enhance yield and productivity, India has developed alternative varieties of basmati over time. These new varieties have improved the yield from 2 to 6 tons of rice per hectare, and their maturity time has reduced from 160 days to as little as 120 days. This alteration has allowed farmers to cultivate vegetables, potatoes, or coriander between two rice crops.

However, some of these new basmati varieties are delicate, susceptible to diseases, and require the use of pesticides. This has posed challenges for marketing the product abroad from India.

To safeguard exports, India applied to the European Commission for the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) of its basmati in 2018. The PGI grants exclusivity for the term “basmati” within the European Union. The PGI is awarded to high-quality agricultural and food products that have a strong connection to their place of origin. At least part of the production, processing, or preparation of the product must occur in the specified city or area of origin.

On September 11, 2022, the European Commission published India’s registration application in its Official Journal. According to the legislation, within three months of publication, authorities or interested parties can submit objections to the Commission. Pakistan filed its appeal in December, just days before the deadline. In 2023, Pakistan also applied for the recognition of the PGI for basmati from its own territory. Pakistan’s application was officially published in the Journal of the European Commission on February 23.

Although India and Pakistan had previously collaborated to protect basmati, a joint PGI agreement currently seems unlikely due to their complicated relationship. In the past, they successfully opposed a patent by an American brand on rice varieties called “basmati” grown in Texas. Additionally, in 2008, both countries explored the possibility of a joint PGI application in the European Union, but the Mumbai attacks disrupted the negotiations.

Delphine Marie-Vivien, a French PGI specialist, believes that the European Union is unlikely to reject certification for either country since they both legitimately produce basmati. It is probable that the European Commission might choose a solution that recognizes a PGI for basmati rice from Pakistan and another PGI for basmati rice from India to avoid displeasing either side and further exacerbating tensions.

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