India and Pakistan are the new joint owners of Basmati Rice

In our history, an agreement has been entered between two arch-rivals India and Pakistan where they mutually agreed to share the ownership of the region's prized Basmati rice. This solution was considered as the most workable to reach the European markets. Both the nations have a history of long-time rivalry with disputes on every front from sea to land leaving no chance to showcase their rivalry against each other.

“There has to be a joint ownership, which is a logical solution to the dispute,” said Faizan Ali Ghouri, a Pakistani rice exporter. The battle between India and Pakistan over claiming the geographical indication (GI) Tag for Basmati rice has a long history. This variety of rice is produced largely on both sides of the border which is the prime reason for the battle.

India tried to a GI tag for Basmati rice by submitting the application for the same in the European Union (EU). However, the same was opposed by Pakistan and subsequently filed a request for a protected GI tag. “There is no logic in both countries’ claim for the sole exclusivity of Basmati rice. Although its origin is Pakistani Punjab, it is grown on both sides of the border. Therefore, joint ownership is the only viable solution to the long-standing dispute,” said Ghouri. “The EU buyers also prefer joint ownership of the rice variety as they want to keep both New Delhi and Islamabad on board in terms of commodity exports,” he added.

Ashok Sethisuggested that both the countries should join their hands for the protection of the Basmati heritage. He is the director of the Punjab Rice Millers Export Association in India. “India and Pakistan are the only two countries which produce Basmati in the world. Both should jointly work together to save the heritage and protect the GI regime of the rice,” said Sethi.

It is very important to mention here that the EU had recognized Basmati as a joint product of India and Pakistan earlier in the year 2006. “Both countries export Basmati rice. India, in its application to the EU, has never stated that it is the only Basmati producer in the world,” insisted Vijay Sethi, a New Delhi-based exporter. However, this rare agreement is a result of exchanged demands and promises.

Pakistan demanded India to reverse its decision of August 5, 2019, that changed the special status of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir and also bifurcated it into two Union Territories by abrogating Articles 370 and 35A. India, on the other hand, decided to demand from Pakistan to stop its cross-border terrorism and further, to take decisive action against terror elements that fully enjoy the support of the establishment.