Rice exporters want Pakistani help to fight EU basmati diktat

All-India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA) will work out a joint strategy with Pakistani exporters to oppose the European Union's move to restrict duty concession to only pure basmati rice.

Rice belonging to varieties evolved from basmati, which constitute practically the whole of Pakistan's basmati exports and up to a third of India's exports, would be barred from duty concession of 250 Euros per tonne if EU has its way.

"Though this will hurt Pakistan more than India, this is no reason for not acting jointly to protect the basmati heritage of both the countries under the geographical indications statute", AIREA executive director Anil Adlakha said.

AIREA proposes to invite a delegation of Pakistani basmati exporters for preparing the joint strategy.

The most threatened varieties include Pakistan Super and India's Pusa basmati-1. Under the official Indian standards for basmati, 11 varieties have been notified as basmati.

A recent amendment to the European legislation, passed by the EC managing committee on December 4, confines the duty concession of 250 Euros to only traditional basmati varieties of India and Pakistan.

The Head note 7 of the amended legislation denies this concession to Pakistan Super and Pusa basmati-1, both of which are acknowledged as excellent basmati types.