KARACHI - The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) has invited attention of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), Rice Research Institute, Basmati Growers Association (BGA) and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan not to undermine Sindhi Basmati popularly known as Sugdasi by confusing the matter by relying on geographical identification alone.
President UNISAME Zulfikar Thaver said Sugdasi grown in Sindh has all the characteristics of aroma, length, taste and although is not grown in the geographical belt identified by the rice research institute is surely basmati. Secondly he invited the attention of the experts to the relics of Moenjadaro civilisation which contained drawings of Basmati.
Thirdly he emphasised the fact that since many years basmati PK 385 is not grown in Punjab and its demand is met by Sindh variety D98 which is grown in Sindh with seeds of basmati 385. The Union has therefore highlighted the facts and informed the stakeholders not to distinguish and discriminate on the basis of geographical identification.  He urged TDAP to note the facts and inform the appropriate forums deliberating on the basmati issue.