Question

For which variety of Indian rice, the patent was filed by a USA Company?

Answer 1

Basmati rice :

• India has 27 varieties of Basmati rice which is distinct for its unique flavour and aroma.
• The USA company Rice Tec filed patents for lines of Basmati and Basmati-like rice and ways of selecting that rice for breeding.
• This allowed the company to sell a ‘new’ variety of Basmati, in the US and abroad.
• This new variety of Basmati had actually been derived from Indian farmer’s varieties.