Pakistan’s Concerning ‘Piracy’ of Indian Basmati Rice Varieties
Published on: March 24, 2024.
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Scientists at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and rice exporters have raised concerns over the “illegal” cultivation of IARI’s improved basmati rice varieties in Pakistan. Pakistani seed firms have been promoting these varieties in videos, leading to the discovery of their cultivation in places like Multan, Bahawalnagar, and Hafizabad.
India’s basmati rice exports have been performing exceptionally well, despite an overall dip in merchandise and agricultural produce exports. Basmati rice exports have seen a 20.2% increase in dollar value and a 12.3% increase in quantity. If this trend continues, the fiscal year ending in March 2024 could witness basmati rice shipments of nearly 50 lakh tonnes valued at $5.5 billion.
While basmati exports surge, non-basmati rice exports have declined, largely due to the ban on white non-basmati rice exports. Only parboiled non-basmati rice shipments are currently permitted, subject to a 20% duty. As a result, non-basmati rice exports are projected to be under 110 lakh tonnes worth $4.4 billion for this fiscal year, significantly lower than the record achieved in 2022-23.
The “neighborhood threat” refers to the alleged seed piracy and illegal cultivation of IARI’s high-yielding basmati rice varieties in Pakistan. IARI’s varieties cover nearly 89% of India’s basmati rice cultivation and contribute to over 90% of the country’s annual basmati exports valued at $5-5.5 billion.
IARI’s breeding program has developed improved basmati varieties with higher yields and shorter maturity periods compared to traditional tall basmati varieties. These new varieties have attracted attention in Pakistan and have been marketed under different names. While Pakistan’s basmati exports have declined, it is still a competitor to India due to its dominant market share in the European Union-United Kingdom market for brown basmati rice.
India should take appropriate measures to address this issue. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act prohibits the sale of seeds of protected varieties in branded form by violating the rights of the breeder, in this case, IARI. The cultivation of IARI varieties in Pakistan can be seen as an intellectual property rights violation, which India can raise in bilateral forums and at the World Trade Organisation.
In conclusion, the unauthorized cultivation of IARI’s basmati rice varieties in Pakistan poses a concern for India’s basmati rice exports. While India remains a market leader in several countries, Pakistan’s adoption of parboiling technology and cultivation of superior IARI varieties could present future challenges. India should assert its rights and protect its intellectual property to maintain its dominance in the basmati rice market.
Source: [Indian Express](https://indianexpress.com)
