Apeda ignores basmati from Madhya Pradesh for GI

State basmati growers have expressed resentment over ignoring basmati rice grown in Madhya Pradesh to register for geographical indication (GI). The state government has reportedly echoed views of basmati growers and is likely to pursue the issue after the code of conduct is withdrawn.

Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda) has ignored MP for registration and protecting intellectual property rights or similar rights including GI for basmati rice. Apeda has apparently taken basmati rice grown only in Haryana, Punjab and Uttar Pradesh for GI.

“This will put farmers in problem if GI becomes mandatory in future,” Rajesh Thakur, president of newly formed body, Madhya Kshetra Basmati Utpadak Sangh said. “We will not be able to export. It will hurt the interest of farmers, traders and even millers,” he added.

Hoshangabad, Raisen, Rewa and Harda districts are main basmati growing belts. The acreage of basmati rice is however small and is not more than 50,000 hectares, but the aroma and elongation is superior to that of any other basmati variety grown in northern India.

“State government has written letters to Apeda in this regard but the demand has been turned down. The government will pursue the matter after election process is over, as of now there is mandatory provisions for GI as far as basmati export is concerned. If it becomes mandatory, the state will be in problem. Companies like LT Overseas, makers of Dawat brand basmati rice have set up its processing plant near Bhopal in Mandideep industrial area last year and two more companies will set up their basmati processing plant,” a source in the state government said.

Apeda was earlier unable to register basmati rice as GI due to ‘ambiguity’ in Apeda Act. Apeda has been empowered by the government to register and protect intellectual property rights or similar rights.