Demand to Include Madhya Pradesh-Produced Rice in the Basmati Category

26-Jun-2026 08:14 PM

New Delhi. The issue of including the long-grain aromatic rice produced in Madhya Pradesh in the list of authentic Basmati varieties is gaining momentum once again.

Madhya Pradesh seeks the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its specific variety of rice. On the other hand, the All India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA) is indirectly opposing this demand. It argues that the geographical areas already designated for Basmati cultivation should not be expanded.

It is noteworthy that only the long-grain aromatic rice produced in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, and two districts of Jammu & Kashmir holds the Basmati status, and AIREA favors maintaining the status quo.

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh maintains that the specific rice variety produced in some of its districts possesses all the characteristics found in Basmati rice from other states.

Earlier this week, the All India Rice Exporters Association held its General Body Meeting in Sonipat, Haryana, where a resolution was passed to oppose the inclusion of new regions under the Basmati GI tag. This resolution directly challenges Madhya Pradesh's long-standing demand.

The resolution is significant as it signals a rejection of Madhya Pradesh's claim by Basmati rice traders and exporters. Interestingly, while some traders and exporters had previously supported Madhya Pradesh's claim, they did not voice any opposition or objection when the resolution was passed at the AIREA meeting.

In the global market, recognition of rice as Basmati is limited to produce from traditional growing regions; Madhya Pradesh is not included in this category.