<h4>India's Basmati Rice: A Global Delicacy</h4><p><strong>Basmati rice</strong> is a highly valued agricultural product from <strong>India</strong>, renowned for its unique aroma, long grain, and distinct flavour. It holds significant cultural and economic importance for the nation, particularly in its agricultural export portfolio.</p><div class="info-box"><strong>Key Characteristics:</strong> Long grain, aromatic, unique flavour, soft texture upon cooking.</div><h4>Concerns Over Cross-Border Cultivation</h4><p>Recent reports have highlighted a concerning issue: <strong>India's prized basmati rice varieties</strong> are reportedly being cultivated in <strong>Pakistan</strong>. These varieties are then marketed under different names, potentially infringing on India's intellectual property.</p><p>This situation has raised significant alarm among agricultural scientists and stakeholders in <strong>India</strong>, particularly regarding the intellectual property and market rights associated with <strong>Basmati</strong>.</p><h4>Specific Basmati Varieties at Risk</h4><p>The varieties specifically identified in this cross-border cultivation issue include <strong>Pusa-1121 Basmati</strong> and <strong>1509 Basmati</strong>. These are some of <strong>India's</strong> most popular and commercially successful <strong>Basmati</strong> strains, developed through extensive research.</p><div class="key-point-box"><strong>Pusa-1121</strong> and <strong>1509 Basmati</strong> are high-yielding, aromatic varieties developed in <strong>India</strong>, contributing significantly to its agricultural exports.</div><h4>Call for Legal Action and Safeguards</h4><p>Scientists at the <strong>Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)</strong> have expressed strong concerns over these developments. They are urging for immediate and decisive <strong>legal action</strong> to address the unauthorized cultivation and marketing.</p><p>The primary objective of such action is to <strong>safeguard the interests of Indian farmers and exporters</strong>. Protecting the unique identity of <strong>Indian Basmati</strong> is crucial for maintaining its market position and economic benefits.</p><div class="exam-tip-box">This issue highlights the importance of <strong>Geographical Indication (GI) tags</strong> and international intellectual property rights in agriculture, a critical topic for <strong>UPSC GS-III</strong>.</div>