LAHORE: Stakeholders of the agriculture value chain have urged the government to tackle GI issue with much care, seriousness and professionally as India is not only trying to get exclusive rights in Basmati rice but it is also trying to get registered Himalayan salt, Multani Matti and Sahiwal Cow breed with Indian names.
Success of any such bid on the part of India will not be a loss only to the farmers but to the national economy, said participants of a discussion on 'what are your concerns about the exclusive Rice GI tagging issue raised by India in the EU?' which was arranged by the Agriculture Republic, a think tank of progressive farmers, to deliberate issues facing the agricultural sector and suggesting remedies. The discussion was moderated by the founders of platform Aamer Hayat Bhandara and Fouad Bajwa.
A geographical indication (GI) tag gives certified information about the distinct identity of a product based on its native region of production. This is key to promote agri-exports for agri-rich countries. India has applied for an exclusive Geographical Indications (GI) tag to Basmati rice in the European Union (EU), saying it is an Indian-origin product in the application. Pakistan is yet to implement the GI law promulgated in March, and now faces a potential threat to its rice exports.
Pakistan has decided to oppose India's claim of Geographical Indication (GI) tag to basmati rice in the European Union (EU). A Pakistani legal team will file its formal opposition with the EU with proof that Indian claims did not have solid grounds.
Participating in the debate, Fouad Bajwa stressed the need for transparency in how we handle the rice GI tagging issue. Another expert of rice sector, Hamid Malik said all rice stakeholders in Pakistan have been alive to GI issue & it's implication on Pakistan Basmati export. However, he asserted the need for including Basmati growers in the current efforts of tackling GI issues.
Dr Yasar from the PCSIR speaking on the occasion said that it is the right time to engage scientists from NIBGE, NIAB, CAS, UAF, CABB UAF to get evidence in terms of basmati and non-basmati.
Aamer Hayat Bhandara believed that Pakistan came to know this development when the EU, in its official journal, published the application of India on September 11, 2020, showing Basmati rice as an Indian origin product, despite the fact that similar rice is widely produced in Pakistan. He said there is a need of liaison between UAF, NIBGE and other agri private sector for boosting agri policy and increasing export of rice.
Irfan Hussain, an economist & progressive farmer, stressed the need to dig out a valid solution for GI issue with strong evidence. He said that Pakistan has to be practical to prove that all Indian attempt is based on conspiracy.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020
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