New basmati variety to boost exports

India will soon be exporting a better variety of basmati rice. Originally developed by Pakistan, the rice would retain the name 'Super'.

'Super' will add to the export chart of basmati and will ensure a greater share in the export market, according to K S Money, the Chairman of APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority). Money was addressing a press conference after a Basmati Development Fund meeting here.

The Punjab Agricultural University at Ludhiana officially released 'Super' in 2001 after sourcing the seeds from Pakistan and working on it for about three years.

The Indian government has recently notified 'Super' as a basmati variety under the Exports Inspection Certification Act. 'Super' basmati is better than the traditional basmati currently being exported by India, in terms of aroma, non-stickiness and elongation upon cooking.

India currently exports about 1.15 million tonne of basmati. This could go up to 1.4 million tonne with the exports of 'Super', said Money.

India will also benefit in terms of output, as the productivity of 'Super' per acre is much higher than that of the traditional basmati that India.

In recent times, Pakistan has been hit by a severe aflatoxin problem in basmati, which will give the Indian variety an edge.

To ensure the quality, exclusive DNA testing facilities have been established at the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics in Hyderabad at a cost of Rs 3.52 crores. Another such facility is coming up at the Basmati Exports Development Foundation in Meerut at a cost of Rs 3 crore.

Money dismissed reports that there has been any displeasure among the Pakistani traders on India notifying 'Super' as a basmati variety. "Basmati is a common heritage of India and Pakistan and both the nations have joint rights over it," said Money.

Pakistan has also been exporting the Pusa basmati variety, originally evolved in India and therefore it cannot object to India's export of 'Super'.