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Summary Pakistani low-starch Basmati rice is gaining acceptance in Malaysia, says a report.
The Pakistan High Commissioner to Malaysia Masood Khalid while talking to the news agency, says that Pakistan is aware of the potential of its Basmati rice and its high demand in Malaysia and to increase rice exports to Malaysia, Pakistan is looking at a joint venture with Padiberas Nasional Berhad (Bernas). “Our discussion with Bernas is being done in stages.To date, Bernas has sent two groups of representatives to Pakistan to sign agreements with Pakistani exporters, following the floods in Thailand and Vietnam that affected rice imports to Malaysia,” he said, adding “we are soon expecting to see Bernas in Pakistan again ... I hope the joint venture will benefit both parties”.Masood Khalid said the Pakistani government was also planning visits from and consistent contacts with Malaysia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industries, apart from asking Rice Exporters Association Pakistan (REAP) to consider exporting rice to Malaysia.“Pakistan’s domestic use of rice is about 2.5 million tonnes, so there is actually enough excess for exporting to Malaysia. “However, the last word is still with the Malaysian government,” Masood stated, adding that rice exports from Pakistan to Malaysia last year increased by 20.3 percent or 148,000 tonnes.Currently, rice is the third biggest crop in Pakistan, after wheat and cotton. According to the Rice Exporters Association Pakistan (REAP), Pakistan cultivates various types of rice, including Super Basmati, Basmati PK-385, Irri-6, Irri-9 and KS-282. However, Pakistan is better known for its aromatic types of Basmati, namely, Super Basmati and Basmati PK-385.According to the Pakistan High Commissioner Masood Khalid, the type of Basmati used is the most important element in the preparation of a Biryani dish. The main thing in the preparation of a delicious Biryani dish is quality rice, followed by a combination of spices that makes for a unique taste. Besides that, the quality of meat used and a classic recipe will contribute to the tastiness of the dish.
