KARACHI, Oct 22: Pakistan has made big achievement by successfully cultivating Japonica rice which is a staple diet of Japanese nation.

The sample of first order placed by Japanese importer was handed over by Chief Executive of TDAP Tariq Iqbal Puri on Saturday.

The results of cultivation of Japonica rice has been successful on achieving yield of 100 maunds per hectare and pioneered by Matco at Sadhoke, Gujranwala.

The idea of cultivating Japonica rice was floated during President Asif Ali Zardari's visit to Japan early this year.

Japanese Consul-General Masaharu Sato said that cultivation of Japonica rice needs a lot of attention and it is not only the technology which matters but farmer's personal interest also matters a lot.

He said it is a unique occasion for him because successful cultivation of Japonica rice is a great achievement by Pakistan and hoped that if quality was maintained, Japanese importers would be keen to lift maximum quantity.

He, however, said there are many bye-products of rice which Japanese enjoy and it would be stressed that only quality could determine its market.

If Pakistani growers managed to maintain good quality of rice, Japanese may invest in manufacturing of by-products of rice in Pakistan.

Tariq Puri appreciated Javed Ghori of Metco for successfully cultivating Japonica rice and said that it would go a long way in putting Japan on economic map of Pakistan.

He said that mango exports are already taking place to Japan and hoped that in due course more fruits would find their way to Japanese market.

Mr Puri said that Japonica seed had been developed at Kala Shah Kaku Rice Research Centre and some private centers, including Metco Rice Processing.

The CE of TDAP said Pakistan is the third largest exporter of rice after Thailand and Vietnam.

He said Pakistan has no control over rice trade as being practiced by Thailand and Vietnam.

He presented sample of Japonica rice to Japanese company which is keen to import from Pakistan and also gifted to Japanese Consul General to give his opinion on the quality of rice.

Mr Puri said that the Ministry of Agriculture under action plan is preparing five tons of Japonica rice seed and advised the growers to maintain quality of rice if they plan to capture quality conscious Japanese market.