In a welcome development in strained bilateral ties, India and Pakistan exporters have reportedly agreed to share ownership of the region's prized Basmati rice. The duo had earlier filled their respective claims for GI tag in the EU markets.

A geographical indication is a label applied to products with a specific geographical origin that has qualities or reputation essentially based on the natural and human factors of their origin. Pakistani and Indian exporters are now thinking about the joint ownership of Basmati.

"There has to be joint ownership, which is a logical solution to the dispute," Faizan Ali Ghouri, a Karachi-based rice exporter, was quoted as saying by Anadolu Agency.

"There is no logic in both countries' claim for the sole exclusivity. Although its origin is Pakistani Punjab, it is grown in both sides of the border," he said, adding, "Therefore, a joint ownership is the only viable solution to the long-standing dispute."

Both rivals have long been claiming to be the origins of Basmati rice, which is largely produced in both countries. The Punjab province, which was divided into East Punjab (India) and West Punjab (Pakistan) in 1947, is the origin of Basmati rice.

He further said, the EU buyers also prefer the joint ownership of the rice as they want to keep both New Delhi and Islamabad on board in terms of commodity exports.

"A joint ownership is in their (EU buyers) own interests for two reasons. First, demand for Basmati has been increasing over the past three years, and second, they want an alternative in case one country's production is reduced," he said.

Ashok Sethi, director of Punjab Rice Millers Export Association in India, endorsed the views of Ghauri. He said the two neighbors should jointly protect the Basmati heritage.

"India and Pakistan are the only two countries, which produce Basmati in the world. Both countries should jointly work together to save heritage and protect the geographical indication regime of the rice,"  Sethi was quoted as saying by Anadolu Agency.

"Millions are associated with the production of Basmati on both sides of the border. “We need to protect their businesses," he maintained.

(SAM)