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Pakistan has successfully blocked India’s attempt to register Basmati rice under its name.

Executive Director General of the Ministry of Commerce, Muhammad Ashraf stated that India’s efforts to register Pakistani products under its own name have been defeated. “There are some products that belong to Pakistan, and whenever attempts are made to register them, we challenge those at international forums. There is a complete mechanism for opposing such moves, and we have contested India on every forum regarding Basmati rice,” he said. He added that India’s applications were formally rejected in Australia and New Zealand.

Speaking at the National Conference on Geographical Indications (GI), Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan said that Pakistan will promote its GI-linked products as global brands. This will benefit small farmers, artisans and others involved in the supply chain. Over 200 products have been identified in Pakistan, out of which 20 including Basmati rice and Sindhri mangoes have already been registered.

The minister emphasized that the GI system can revitalize Pakistan’s economy offering higher profits to local exporters. Chilgoza pine nuts have been proposed as potential GIs in four different regions.

He further stated that GI recognition gives local products a unique global identity. Pakistan has already registered and protected 20 local products including Basmati rice, Himalayan pink salt, Sindhri and Chaunsa mangoes, dates, Sindhi Ajrak, Multani mitti (clay) and Sargodha oranges.

The minister concluded by saying, “Alhamdulillah, 200 products have been identified. We are working on the rest in collaboration with the Federal Export Organization (FEO). A national strategy is being prepared to strengthen the GI system, which will help preserve Pakistan’s cultural and agricultural heritage.”

Source : minutemirror