President House to host inaugural ‘Biryani Festival’ organized by REAP
Published on: December 3, 2023.
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LAHORE: The Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) will be hosting the inaugural ‘Biryani Festival’ at President House in Islamabad on December 4, 2023. This unique event aims to celebrate the diverse flavors and dishes of Biryani from various regions of the country and will be attended by diplomats and other important individuals.
The festival will feature a range of 12 rice dishes, including Daal Chawal, Pulao, and different types of Biryani, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Pakistan to diplomats and guests. To ensure an authentic experience, special chefs will be flown in from Karachi to prepare these delectable dishes. This initiative by REAP not only promotes Pakistani cuisine but also seeks to enhance the export of especially ‘Basmati’ rice.
Senior Vice Chairman of REAP, Haseeb Ahmad Khan, expressed his excitement for the event, stating that it will be a wonderful fusion of gastronomic delights and a vibrant showcase of our shared traditions. Furthermore, a ‘REAP rice book’ will also be launched at the festival, containing informative articles from agricultural scientists of Kala Shah Kaku Rice Research Institute, Eurofin, and REAP members. These articles will cover various topics such as sustainable rice-growing practices.
Khan shared that this year’s export target of US$3 billion is highly achievable, with REAP members already exporting approximately 1.5 million tons of IRRI rice in the first four and a half months of the current financial year. The Basmati season has just begun, which is expected to further boost export numbers and help surpass the US$3 billion mark.
In terms of expanding into new markets, REAP is actively working on entering the Mexico market. A delegation from the Department of Plant Protection (DPP) will soon begin inspecting 38 rice mills to ensure compliance with Mexico’s standards. This inspection process will involve assessing 26 mills in the Karachi region and 12 mills in the Punjab region. The results of the inspections, including videos and other materials, will be sent to Mexico to confirm compliance with their requirements.
The Biryani Festival and the launch of the ‘REAP rice book’ serve as significant milestones in promoting Pakistani cuisine and enhancing the export of rice. With its delicious flavors and diverse range of dishes, Biryani truly represents the culinary excellence of Pakistan.
Source: [Business Recorder](https://www.brecorder.com)
