Basmati growers body opposes GI tag to Madhya Pradesh for aromatic rice.

The Centre should protect the global reputation of basmati rice and not give Geographical Indication (GI) tag to other states, including Madhya Pradesh, for the premium grain as it would negatively impact the industry and millions of farmers. The basmati Rice Farmers & Exporters Development Forum (BRFEDF) said that the government should protect basmati the way France has done for Champagne. Madhya Pradesh is attempting to piggy back on the reputation built. The inclusion of Madhya Pradesh as growing area will lead basmati to become generic. The loss of protection is not only for traditional growing area but also to Madhya Pradesh. The result is national loss.