India-Pakistan Engage in Basmati Rice Battle
Published on: February 27, 2024.
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India and Pakistan are the only two exporters of Basmati rice, a fragrant and long-grain variety that is highly sought after in international markets. Chaman Lal Setia Exports, one of India’s largest Basmati exporters, processes and packages hundreds of tonnes of Basmati rice daily at their mill in Karnal. After undergoing various transformations and polishing, the rice is sorted and packed, ready to be exported to over 80 countries worldwide, including the US, Israel, and European nations.
In 2018, India faced a decline in Basmati exports to the EU in favor of Pakistan. In response, India launched a sales offensive by applying for a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) with the European Commission. This application aims to secure exclusive use of the term “Basmati” in the EU, similar to the protection enjoyed by Champagne and Darjeeling tea. By obtaining the PGI status, India hopes to regain its market share while also commanding higher prices for its Basmati rice.
The protection of Basmati rice has been a priority for India since the late 1990s when an American brand attempted to patent rice varieties developed and grown in Texas as “Basmati.” India and Pakistan successfully opposed this move and won the case. Since then, India has taken steps to safeguard Basmati rice, including defining geographical production zones for the rice, a prerequisite for PGI recognition by the EU. Pakistan, however, lagged behind and only established these production zones in 2021.
To ensure the preservation of their respective Basmati rice on international markets, India and Pakistan must continue to protect their rice varieties and promote their unique qualities. With India’s sales offensive and the establishment of geographical production zones in Pakistan, both countries aim to maintain their status as the world’s top Basmati rice exporters.
Source: Lemonde.fr
