Basmati Rice Gains GI Tag Status

The Intellectual Property Appellate Board has directed the Geographical Indications Registry to proceed with the registration of a geographical indication (GI) tag for Basmati rice, adding it to a select group of culinary products such as champagne, specific to the Champagne region of France. After seven years in review, seven north Indian basmati-producing states have obtained this tag.

Basmati rice, native to the Himalayan region, is a long grain that offers a completely different culinary experience, due to its aroma, light and fluffy texture and known health benefits.

Amira, a producer and exporter of Indian specialty basmati rice, organic rice and food products, has established and maintained its position as a leading basmati rice brand.

“We’re very pleased with this news,” said CEO Karan A. Chanana. “Not all rice is created equally and the exceptional standard of basmati rice grown in the Himalayan regions is integral to Amira’s product range. We’re excited to continue providing this high-quality product to consumers worldwide and couldn’t be happier that when people hear ‘basmati’ they will know that this is a protected product of equivalent status to other foods with the GI tag, such as champagne. The superior taste, health benefits and aroma of basmati can now be exclusively associated with this key region.”

The GI tag applies to Basmati rice grown in the Indo-Gangetic Plains on the foothills of the Himalayas, covering the states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Uttarakhand, Western U.P. and two districts of Jammu and Kathua.