Global Rice News

India’s Basmati Rice Gains Advantage in Geographical Indication Tag Battle

In an important development, the European Union (EU) has re-published Pakistan’s application for a geographical indication (GI) tag for basmati rice, which gives India the advantage to secure the same tag for its basmati rice. The EU re-published Pakistan’s application on April 30 under a new clause, indicating that India is the true owner of basmati rice. This decision by the EU is significant as it reaffirms India’s position as the primary producer of basmati rice.

India’s application for a GI tag for basmati rice, which was filed in July 2018, has been listed under Article 50(2) of EU regulation. On the other hand, Pakistan’s application, filed five years later in August 2023, has been re-published by the EU under its own internal technical decision. This difference in the processing of the applications is expected to work in India’s favor.

Pakistan’s Application under Article 49(5)

The EU invoked Article 49(5) in Pakistan’s case, which states that the product for which a GI tag is sought should be protected in the country of its origin. This implies that Pakistan needs to demonstrate that basmati rice is being grown in specific areas of India as well. The EU’s act of including this statement in the publication of Pakistan’s application gives India the advantage as the primary producer of basmati rice.

Diplomacy and Historical Evidence

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomacy and efforts are paying off as India’s long-standing claim as the primary producer of basmati rice is gaining recognition. The EU’s joint statements with India in 2017 and 2021 emphasize the mutual interest in protecting geographical indications. India’s historical evidence of over 200 years of basmati rice cultivation further strengthens its claim for the GI tag.

The latest development is seen as a reactionary move by Pakistan and is unlikely to be successful. The EU is unlikely to provide a GI tag for “contemporary products” that could impact its wine and cheese sectors. Furthermore, bilateral GI agreements under Article 23 of TRIPS could also be strained.

Benefits for Indian Farmers

This development is a significant boon for farmers in Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal, as they are the primary growers of basmati rice in India. India is also set to strike a deal with the EU on exchanging GI tags for each other’s products. This agreement is expected to be finalized later this year.

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Source: The Hindu Business Line