India's share in world market for basmati rice is about 53%, Shri Jairam Ramesh, Minister of State for Commerce, said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

The rice exporters have requested the government for notification of 'super' variety of rice as 'Basmati' rice. The request has been examined and recommended to Department of Agriculture & Cooperation for necessary Notification under the Seeds Act 1966, he said.

The steps being taken by the Government to increase export of Basmati rice include providing assistance to Indian exporters for undertaking publicity campaign, mounting trade delegations abroad, participation in international fairs, buyer-seller meets and providing financial assistance to exporters for improving quality, packaging and brand promotion, he added.

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