Investment in Research and Development for Basmati Rice in Pakistan

Basmati rice is Pakistan’s celebrated export. After years of growth, Pakistan’s production and export of basmati has slipped and is on a downward trend. The absence of a strong research and development institutional structure makes it extremely difficult for the sector to prepare for new challenges. The status of basmati rice as a major export commodity hides the fact that its contribution is below its potential. Without a policy commitment to elevate basmati rice as a strategic product, it will continue to be impacted by changing economic and environmental conditions. Extra funding for basmati can be easily channeled from the levy that is being collected from its export or through government development funds. The bigger challenge is changing the embedded mindset that fails to connect research and development with the production and commercialization of basmati.