Geographical Indications Registry asks agri-export body to include MP as Basmati growing area

Geographical Indications (GI) Registry has directed agri-export body APEDA to file an amended GI application for including Madhya Pradesh as a Basmati growing region.

The GI label certifies not only the geographical origin of a product but also confirms adherence to some production standards. Further, it prevents producers who aren't covered by the tag from using the same.

Madhya Kshetra Basmati Growers Association Samiti, Dawat Foods Ltd and the state Department of Farmer Welfare and Agriculture Development had in 2011 filed an "Opposition" (application) against APEDA for excluding the state land area under the GI-145 application, and causing extensive damage to the business interests of farmers and millers.

Following that, the Chennai-based GI Registry's assistant registrar Chinnaraja G Naidu on December 31, 2013 directed APEDA to file an amended GI application including the uncovered area, with map of the region clearly demarcating the area of production, within 60 days from the date of the order.

"In Madhya Pradesh, four lakh farmers produce nearly 8 lakh tonnes of Basmati rice; out of which 40 per cent is being exported to countries like the US and others," Madhya Pradesh Agriculture Department's Principal Secretary Rajesh Rajora said on Tuesday.

The state government will also file a caveat before the Intellectual Property Appellate Board, Chennai, regarding the matter, he said. A large number of farmers in Madhya Pradesh have been growing Basmati rice for last many years by using traditional and new techniques, Rajora said.

"Non-inclusion of the state among the Basmati growing areas will have an adverse effect on the lives of farmers, who are mainly dependent on Basmati rice cultivation," he said, adding that it will also reduce the country's turnover from the export of Basmati.

The opponents blamed APEDA -- Agriculture and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority -- for failing to include in its application areas that cultivate Basmati rice in Madhya Pradesh, including Morena, Bhind, Gwalior, Sheopur, Datia, Shivpuri, Guna, Vidisha, Raisen, Sehore, Hoshangabad, Jabalpur and Narsinghpur.

They submitted that since the state is located in the Indo-Gangetic plain, the climatic condition of these areas is favourable for the cultivation of Basmati.

The opponents have also submitted proof of cultivation of Basmati within Madhya Pradesh state since as early as 1990 and also provided copies of the Gazetteers, historical documents to substantiate their claim on the issue.