KARACHI, Aug 27: Pakistan has gradually lost Saudi market of basmati rice to neighbouring India in terms of quantity and export value since 1991.

According to a report prepared by Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Pakistan had exported 74,764 tons of basmati rice to Saudi Arabia, while India shipped 448,662 tons of basmati during 2001.

Share of Pakistani basmati has declined to only 11 per cent in 2001, while India had enhanced its share to 81 per cent while the rest of the countries including the US, Thailand, secured 8 per cent.

Similarly, the average unit price of Pakistani basmati in the Kingdom has fallen to $410 per ton while India sold its basmati at an average price of $512 per ton. This shows that India’s price was higher by almost $102 per ton.—APP