Massive Trump tariffs on India’s agricultural products have opened access for Punjab’s (Pakistan) Basmati rice in the US market.
REAP , Rice Export Association of Pakistan, and the government are closely monitoring the development, WE Punjab has learnt.
A report published in a Pakistan’s daily English Pakistan has also shed light on the US increasing demand for aromatic Basmati, cultivated both in India and Pakistan.
Basmati Rice in Punjab Pakistan:
Basmati rice produced in the Kallar Tract—an area spanning East and West Punjab in both Pakistan and India between the Ravi and Chenab rivers—is a cylindrical, extra-long grain. It is also known for its special taste and aroma. It has intermediate amylose content, intermediate gelatinization temperature, and soft gel, with about twice the elongation upon cooking. The districts of Narowal, Sheikhupura, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, and Mandi Bahauddin in Punjab, Pakistan, are known as the Basmati belt—the region famed for the “king of rice.”
Punjab Pakistan Production and Export :
Pakistan produces over 10 million tonnes of Bastmati and non-Basmti rice. Its exports of both varieties have reached around six million tonnes. It makes the country fourth
Iran, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, China in Asia , Germany, France, Italy and UK in Europe and United States in North America are major export markets of Punjab’s Basmati. Last year, Pakistan earned between three and four billion USD in revenue, making it the fourth-largest rice exporter in the world. India, Vietnam, and Thailand are the top three rice exporters, respectively.
While Basmati of Pakistan and India are famous across the globe, Thailand’s Jasmine is also famous for its various qualities.
Basmati Export Opportunities:
Rice import in US has witnessed growth from seven percent to 25 percent in last three decades, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). India, Pakistan and Thailand fulfilled over 60 percent of the US import demand.
However, demand for Pakistani rice has increased in recent months due to its lower price compared to Indian grain. There has also been an overall rise in demand for Pakistan’s Basmati rice in recent years.
The recent US tariff of 50 percent on Indian products, compared to 19 pc on Pakistan, also gives price advantage to the latter.
REAP believes India’s rice export to the US will witness a sharp decline in future, providing great opportunity to Punjab Basmati to capture the market.
 Basmati rice in the US market.){kind=link}