Basmati rice exports cross 1 mln tonne mark

New Delhi, June 6 (UNI) Exports of Basmati rice have touched 1.1 million tonnes in 2005-06, consecutively for the second year, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) said today.

Basmati rice is a significant item in the agricultural export basket of India, accounting for around 17 per cent share in the APEDA monitored products.

''During 2004-05, a record export of 11,50,169 metric tonnes valued at Rs 2775 crore was achieved and during 2005-06 also the figure of one million tonnes has already been crossed,'' informed APEDA Chairman K S Money at a press conference here.

APEDA products account for about 46 per cent of the total agricultural exports from the country. During 2004-05, the export of APEDA monitored products stood at 3622.66 million US dollars.

Last year, India produced about 3.60 lakh tonnes of super rice and exported a major part of it.

''Now both Super and Pusa varieties of rice can be exported by both India and Pakistan. Pakistan enjoys 80 per cent share in the super rice while Indian exporters have to get fare share in the global market,'' Mr Money said, and added that ''Super rice commands a good price globally.'' A dedicated DNA testing facility for basmati rice has been created at the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad, involving an investment of Rs 3.25 crore and another similar facility is coming up at the Basmati Export Development Foundation (BEDF), Modipuram at a cost of Rs 3 crore to enhance market share in Super rice exports globally, APEDA Chairman said.

India produces 6 traditional Basmati varieties and 5 evolved Basmati varieties, on the other hand Pakistan produces two traditional varieties and one evolved Basmati variety Super.

Saudi Arabia has traditionally been a major market for Basmati rice from India accounting for around 60 per cent share while the Middle East as a sector accounts for around 72 per cent share. The European Union follows with a share of around 15 per cent with the UK alone accounting for around 10 per cent share.

On the labelling of the products, Mr Money said the Integrated Food Law should take care of these aspects.

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