Basmati Rice
In a significant victory for Pakistan, the long-standing dispute over the ownership of Basmati rice in the global market has resulted in India’s defeat.
The recognition of Basmati as a Pakistani product by New Zealand and Australia marks a major milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to establish its rightful claim over the world-famous rice variety. Additionally, a similar decision is expected from the European Union (EU), further solidifying Pakistan’s position in the international market.
India’s attempts to challenge Pakistan’s claim on Basmati rice have been unsuccessful, as trade experts and historians have provided evidence confirming that the rice variety originates from Pakistan’s Hafizabad district. Australia and New Zealand outrightly dismissed India’s claims, and with the EU likely to rule in Pakistan’s favor, the dispute is nearing resolution.
Pakistan’s Basmati rice is globally recognized for its superior aroma, exceptional quality, and competitive pricing, giving it a strong edge in the international market. As a result, Pakistan’s Basmati exports have surged to $4 billion, strengthening its standing as a major player in the $27 billion global rice industry.
India, alarmed by Pakistan’s rising dominance in the Basmati trade, has been making efforts to gain control over the market. However, these attempts have backfired, as the evidence overwhelmingly supports Pakistan’s claim.
Pakistani exporters, including Chaudhry Tanveer, have accused India of rebranding and reselling Pakistani Basmati. According to these claims, Pakistan’s high-quality Basmati is exported to Dubai, where Indian traders falsely label it as their own before shipping it to other destinations.
Historical records further weaken India’s position. According to data submitted to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), India did not export a single grain of Basmati before 1965, whereas Pakistan had already established a strong export presence in Europe and Gulf countries during the 1960s.
This historical precedence highlights Pakistan’s long-standing role as the original producer and exporter of Basmati rice.
Trade expert Shams-ul-Islam has emphasized that the Pakistan-India dispute over Basmati ownership in the EU has faced delays but is ultimately expected to be resolved in Pakistan’s favor.
He pointed out that international intellectual property laws are designed to protect the original producers of geographical indication (GI) products, reinforcing Pakistan’s right to claim exclusive ownership of Basmati rice.
With geographical protection playing an increasingly vital role in global trade, securing exclusive rights to Basmati remains a key economic and strategic objective for Pakistan.
Gaining this recognition will not only strengthen Pakistan’s rice exports but also ensure that its heritage and agricultural legacy are preserved in the international market.
