Basmati Rice Exports: Reach Expands from 106 to 150 Countries, Minister Tells MP Arora in Rajya Sabha

Ludhiana, December 3, 2024: After registration of Basmati Rice as Geographical Indication (GI in 2008, the exports of Basmati Rice including from the state of Punjab have increased from 106 countries to 150 countries in 2023-24. Furthermore, the total exports of Basmati rice have also increased from 2.01 Million MTs (USD 2.297 Billion) in 2009-10 to 5.24 Million MTs (USD 5.83 Billion) in 2023-24. The top ten export destinations of Basmati Rice from India, including that from Punjab, are as under: Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, UAE, USA, UK, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar.

This has been stated by Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal in an answer to a question on `Export of Basmati Rice from Punjab’ asked by MP (Rajya Sabha) from Ludhiana Sanjeev Arora in the ongoing Winter Session of Rajya Sabha. The designated GI areas of Basmati Rice in India are the States of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh (30 districts), Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir (two districts in Jammu) &the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

In a statement here on today, Arora said the Minister further mentioned in his reply that the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), a Statutory Body under the Ministry of Commerce& Industry, Govt. of India is mandated for the registration and protection of Intellectual Property Rights, in respect of Basmati Rice in India or outside India.

The GI for Basmati Rice in India was obtained by APEDA with effect from 26th November 2008. APEDA has been taking various legal steps worldwide to protect the Geographical Indication (GI) status of Basmati rice in India and the world.

APEDA has successfully obtained GI for Basmati Rice in 20 Countries and obtained Certification marks in 9 Countries. Proceedings related to registration of GI/Certification are underway in 34 Countries.

Legal notices and actions before IP offices and courts are underway to prevent infringing marks from obtaining registration and to prevent unauthorised use of the name and logo Basmati. Till date more than 1200 instances of attempted registrations of infringing trademarks in 50 countries across all continents have been prevented for Basmati Rice.

Adding, the Minister further mentioned in his reply that these initiatives have helped strengthen the position of Basmati rice in global markets including that from Punjab.

The Government through APEDA & Indian Council of Agricultural Research has taken certain major steps for assisting all Basmati rice farmers and exporters including those from Punjab in overcoming challenges such as global price fluctuations, trade barriers, and quality standards. While giving details about these steps, the Minister mentioned in his answer that financial assistance is provided to the exporters of APEDA’s Scheduled products, including Basmati Rice exporters of Punjab under APEDA’s financial Assistance scheme. Facilitate and support the participation of Basmati rice exporters, in key International Trade Fairs such as GULFOOD Dubai, SIAL Paris, ANUGA Germany, etc.

Global campaign for promotion of Basmati Rice to broaden and deepen its market across the Globe. Continuous efforts towards resolution of trade barriers imposed through quality standards by importing countries at various forums including WTO and at the bilateral level.

Major steps for assisting all Basmati rice farmers and exporters also include quality assurance and authentication of Basmati Rice under which a modern laboratory has been set up by Basmati Export Development Foundation (BEDF) under APEDA for DNA profiling, pesticides residue testing and quality testing on the basis of physical parameters. Capacity building of farmers and exporters is also done through workshops, seminars & trainings in association with State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) and ICAR institutes. ICAR has developed improved varieties of Basmati Rice to enhance yields and ensure better resistance of Basmati Rice to diseases.