Abstract/Summary

Basmati rice is a unique and high value grain crop. It is a traditional export crop of India holding an important position in India's agricultural export basket. Due to the Himalayan agro-climate its cultivation is limited only to India and Pakistan. This study attempts to analyze the spatio-temporal features of India's Basmati rice trade and its global competitiveness. Further, it also undertakes a comparative analysis of Basmati rice trade of India vis-a-vis its sole competitor, Pakistan. The main findings of the study are that as Basmati is a premium product its existing markets would continue to hold. Secondly, despite some inherent problems, Basmati exports from India are increasing temporally and spatially. Thirdly, the quantum of Basmati exports has not only been determined by competition between India and Pakistan, but also influenced by issues such as hoarding, adulteration and change in tastes for other aromatic rice varieties. Fourthly, it is a highly competitive rice variety compared to non-Basmati, but over the last few years its competitiveness has been declining. Lastly, Pakistan with its several supply constraints has been giving a stiff competition to India's Basmati.