^ Yes Pakistani Basmati is available in Canada, the USA and select markets. There is a considerable difference in its quality versus other ''basmatis'' from non-Pakistani sources.
If you had Pakistani Basmati and tried others, you'll know the difference right away!
As someone rightly stated, Basmati Rice was traditionally grown in Panjab since time immemorial. Notably and more specifically the Super Basmati rice is grown in the Sialkot Narowal Gujranwala and Lahore belt which lies exclusively in Pakistan. But perhaps with modern agriculture, the seeds have been grown in other parts of the world (USA-Texas, china, india etc..) But we all know, that many things can often be imitated, but never duplicated. And from experience, the same holds true of Pakistani Basmati Rice.
As you have attested to, the taste of authentic basmati rice is palpable especially when comparing it to other branded forms.
Pakistan should be more aggressive and fast track its right to have its own GI and encourage manufactures to sell more made in Pakistan brands. We are after all, a country of over 180 million people and take great pride in our various produces, but especially moreso when it comes to our food
Pakistani produce are rich in quality and perform quite well when competing with other brands. Connoiseurs, Chefs and high end restaurants know the difference. On a trip to New York recently when I mentioned that I was visiting from Pakistan, the chef at a western meditaranean upscale restaurant was so excited and very proud of the fact that he only ordered Pakistani basmati rice as they strongly believed it to be the best quality in the world and in line with the restaurants high end patrons. The restaurant regularly samples different produces from all over the world, and he was all raves about Pakistani foods. Infact, from what i've gathered, this is the case for several restaurant chains in North America.
Pakistani producers, exporters and manufacturers' are slowly gaining pride in their produce, and realizing the significance of having the
Made in Pakistan logo imprinted on their produce. While smaller scale and small time individuals may be parcelling off their produce under the names of other countries to make a quick buck (something that goes on in almost every country; moreso in developing nations). The end result is, if you want your own business to succeed over time, doing such things actually work against you, and more and more business are realizing this. Major Rice exporters in Pakistan however are quite independent and confident in the export of their produce.
On a serious note, Pakistani's wether within the country or more importantly abroad, should actively seek out their merchandise and request stores to order Pakistani products whatever country they may be living in. Looking for products with a ''Made or Produced in Pakistan'' should be actively encouraged and is healthy for our community as more importantly, encourages the growth of our economy.
Pakistani's love their food, and we appreciate quality, and as such, knowing that Pakistani produce are often of the finest qualities, we should order from our own and encourage our own industry as well. The government, exporters, farmers and consumers should encourage the proper dissemination of their produce with appropriate labelling while maintaining the upmost packaging standards of quality. Upscale international chef's through various sample tests know that Pakistani rice produce as the best, something we've known in our hearts all along but perhaps may not have appreciated as much and may be guilty of taking it for granted. So hopefully, we will be more pro-active in this regard and safeguard our national produce.
