Basmati Black Market: DNA Tests Exposes Pakistan’s Alleged Theft of Indian Basmati Rice

Ever wondered about the origins of the fragrant basmati rice on your dinner table? A recent investigation has brought to light a concerning situation: Pakistan is allegedly pirating Indian basmati rice varieties. DNA testing, conducted in a prominent European laboratory, has reportedly confirmed that Pakistan is illegally cultivating and exporting these varieties, essentially passing it on as their own. This isn’t just about rice; it’s about intellectual property, international trade, and livelihoods of Indian farmers.

It’s about basmati varieties originally developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi, at Pusa Institute. These basmati varieties, including Pusa Basmati 1509, 1121, 1847, and 1885, are the topic of the alleged infringement. The Agricultural and Processed Food Export Development Authority (APEDA) of India took the initiative to investigate these claims. They commissioned laboratory tests on basmati samples grown in Pakistan. The results, from both European and Indian labs, clearly indicate that these samples are, in fact, Indian varieties.

A key aspect of this investigation was the use of a standardized testing protocol known as the “Ring Trial.” This protocol involves sending identical samples to 11 laboratories across the globe, including one in Hyderabad, India. This process ensures the reliability and accuracy of the results through data sharing and comparative analysis. This rigorous testing, has provided compelling evidence that Pakistan is indeed cultivating Indian basmati varieties. APEDA has also established its own DNA testing facility at the Basmati Export Development Foundation in Modipuram, Uttar Pradesh, further solidifying the authentication process and the result achieved.

India’s basmati rice exports are a significant economic driver, generating approximately ₹50,000 crore annually. Basmati commands a premium in the global market, often fetching prices up to twice that of regular rice. This premium rice, were targets for those seeking to capitalize on its value without investing in the necessary R&D.

India and Pakistan are competitors in the global basmati market, particularly in Europe, the Americas, Australia, New Zealand, and the Middle East. While India has focused on developing higher-yielding, superior-quality varieties through sustained research, Pakistan, it’s alleged, has taken a different route: illegally growing Indian varieties. This alleged “piracy” directly affects India’s basmati business. The problem extends beyond older, established varieties. Pakistan is also reportedly cultivating newer Indian releases like Pusa Basmati 1847 and Pusa Basmati 1885. Indian agencies have been aware of this issue for roughly a year and a half. The recent DNA test results provide concrete evidence that could be used to curb these exports.

The Indian government now possesses the complete data from this investigation. The matter is reportedly being considered at the highest levels of the government. India now intends to address this issue on the international stage. The government plans to file a case against Pakistan at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), citing the TRIPS Agreement. Additionally, India may pursue legal action in countries where Pakistan exports the allegedly infringing rice, aiming to halt its sale. However, the timeline for these actions are yet to be disclosed.

India has a legal framework in place to protect its basmati varieties. The Seed Act of 1966 and the Protection of Plant Variety and Farmers’ Rights Act of 2001: which grant exclusive cultivation rights to Indian farmers for notified varieties. Apart, India has obtained a Geographical Indication (GI) for basmati rice, recognising its origin and unique qualities. This GI tag covers basmati grown in seven Indian states, including Punjab (approximately 600,000 hectares), Haryana (approximately 600,000 hectares), and parts of western Uttar Pradesh (potentially 500,000 hectares), Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir.

The alleged piracy of Indian basmati rice varieties by Pakistan is a serious issue with significant economic and legal ramifications. DNA evidence suggests that Indian innovations are being exploited, potentially harming Indian farmers and the country’s reputation in the global market. As the Indian government prepares to take this matter to international forums, the outcome could reshape the dynamics of the global basmati trade.

Tags: prices, Basmati rice, Pakistan, India, Market