Rice is India’s favorite staple and Basmati is a everyone’s favorite when it comes to this staple category.
India is the leading exporter of Basmati Rice to the global market. The country has exported 3,948,161.03 MT of Basmati Rice to the world for the worth of Rs. 26,416.49 Crores/ 3,540.40 US$ Mill.) during the year 2021-22.
When it comes to the cultivation and production of this rice, areas include the states of J & K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand, and western Uttar Pradesh.
We export to Iran, Saudi Arab, Iraq, United Arab EMTs, U S A and Yemen Republic.
However, this staple is in the news as for the first time FSSAI has specified and laid down standards for the same.
Standards for Basmati Specified by FSSAI
For first time in the country, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has specified the identity standards for Basmati Rice (including Brown Basmati Rice, Milled Basmati Rice, Parboiled Brown Basmati Rice and Milled Parboiled Basmati Rice) vide Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) First Amendment Regulations, 2023 notified in the Gazette of India.
Free from artificial coloring, polishing agents and artificial fragrances, the Basmati rice shall possess natural fragrance characteristic of basmati rice.
Various identity and quality parameters for the basmati rice are also specified which include the average size of grains and their elongation ratio after cooking; maximum limits of moisture, amylose content, uric acid, defective/damaged grains, and incidental presence of other non-basmati rice etc.
Both domestically and globally the consumer interest should be protected, along with establishment of fair practice in trade of Basmati rice are primary reasons behind this.
These standards will be enforced w.e.f 1st August 2023.
Basmati Rice
Basmati rice is a premium variety of rice cultivated in the Himalayan foothills of the Indian sub-continent and is universally known for its long grain size, fluffy texture and unique inherent aroma and flavor. Agro-climatic conditions of the specific geographical areas where Basmati rice is grown; as well as the method of harvesting, processing, and ageing of the rice contributes to the uniqueness of Basmati rice. Due to its unique quality attributes, Basmati is a widely consumed variety of rice both domestically and globally and India accounts for two thirds of its global supply.
Being a premium quality rice and fetching a price higher than the non-basmati varieties, Basmati rice is prone to various types of adulteration for economic gains which may include, among others, undeclared blending of other non-basmati varieties of rice. Therefore, to ensure supply of standardized genuine Basmati rice in domestic and export markets, FSSAI has notified regulatory standards for Basmati rice that have been framed through extensive consultations with the concerned government departments / agencies and other stakeholders as well.
