Punjab Basmati exporters seek assurance from Goyal on sticking to current GI area - The HinduBusinessLineSENSEX 77,763.91+ 261.79NIFTY 24,270.85+ 95.15CRUDEOIL 6,548.00+ 8.00GOLD 147,251.00+ 1,493.00SILVER 233,892.00+ 4,656.00SENSEX 77,763.91+ 261.79NIFTY 24,270.85+ 95.15NIFTY 24,270.85+ 95.15CRUDEOIL 6,548.00+ 8.00CRUDEOIL 6,548.00+ 8.00GOLD 147,251.00+ 1,493.00'; } document.getElementById("lgdv").innerHTML = htmlElements; } function numberformat(i) { return Number(parseFloat(i).toFixed(2)).toLocaleString('en', { minimumFractionDigits: 2 }) } async function gatherResponse(response) { const { headers } = response; const contentType = headers.get('content-type') || ''; if (contentType.includes('application/json')) { return await response.json() } return response.text(); } function getWidth() { if (Math.max(document.body.scrollWidth,document.documentElement.scrollWidth,document.body.offsetWidth,document.documentElement.offsetWidth,document.documentElement.clientWidth) > 991) { document.getElementById("mob").style.display = "none"; document.getElementById("lgdv").style.display = "block"; } else { document.getElementById("mob").style.display = "block"; document.getElementById("lgdv").style.display = "none"; } } getWidth();]]>Traditional Basmati-producing states led by Haryana and Punjab are opposing Madhya Pradesh’s claim on Basmati rice’s GI tagAmritsar-based Punjab Rice Millers Exporters Association has sought an assurance from Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal on the issue of Geographical Indications (GI) granted to Basmati rice that there will not be any change in the area already approved. Exporters have also demanded an immediate stakeholders’ consultation so that no such tinkering takes place to the existing area.In a letter to Goyal on July 1, Ashok Sethi, director of the Association, has said that any attempt to include Madhya Pradesh under Basmati GI area “is totally unacceptable” and would harm India’s exports. He also cautioned that India would lose the “Heritage and Traditional Value” among the huge international customer base.“We suggest that a detailed discussion with all stakeholders should be held immediately to dispel the fear of farmers since Punjab and Haryana Basmati farmers and rice millers would be directly affected by any change in GI regime,” he said. The exporters’ body has also sought an assurance that the government “has no intention to tinker with GI Regulations or enhance its areas to include Madhya Pradesh or other states.”Basmati GI AreaThe PRMEA has also alleged that certain political leaders from Madhya Pradesh with vested interests have actively raked up the issue of including Madhya Pradesh under Basmati GI Area. “Any expansion of GI and Indo-Gangetic area which today defines this region would surely dilute it’s significance and positively erode the faith and trust of lakhs of Basmati growing farmers across Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, parts of Uttarakhand and Jammu-Kathua belt.The ongoing discussion regarding the expansion of the Basmati GI region is a matter that warrants careful and balanced consideration, said Aman Gupta, Managing Director of Shiv Shakti Inter Globe Exports (SSIEL). While supporting farmer welfare and creating broader opportunities across the agricultural value chain are important objectives, any proposed changes to the GI framework should be evaluated through a transparent process supported by scientific evidence, historical linkages and internationally accepted GI principles, he said.“As the industry moves forward, it is important that decisions related to the GI framework continue to safeguard the credibility, premium positioning, and global recognition that Indian Basmati has built over generations,” Gupta said.businessline on June 16 had reported that two rice exporters’ organisations had urged the Commerce Ministry to reconsider the APEDA’s decision to “arbitrarily” appoint a law firm to handle global cases on basmati geographical indication and intellectual property rights (IPR). But, APEDA sources had said that the law firm had been engaged after due process of tender by an expert selection panel.GI statusThe battle over expanding the geographical indication (GI) area for Basmati rice has intensified, with the All India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA) recently opposed any expansion of the notified Basmati-growing region. At its general body meeting held in Sonipat, Haryana, the association passed a resolution against extending Basmati GI status to new areas, a move that directly challenges Madhya Pradesh’s long-standing demand for inclusion in the Basmati map.The resolution is significant because it reflects growing resistance from the trade to Madhya Pradesh’s claim, which has been opposed by traditional Basmati-producing states led by Haryana and Punjab.Published on July 3, 2026Sign into Unlock benefits!Access 10 free stories per monthAccess to comment on every storySign up/Manage to our newslettersGet notified by email for early preview to new features, discounts & offers${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }