This paper argues that Pakistan needs to increase its investments in agriculture research and development and highlights the importance of an improved Basmati rice program.

It identifies strategies to show how a Basmati rice development program can achieve sustainable funding and effective oversight and implementation. Basmati rice is Pakistan’s second-largest export earner but newer, long-grain, nonaromatic varieties have been cutting into its share of the premium rice market. The export value of Basmati rice has been impacted by leaf blight, trade practices, and market conditions. To address the issues, this paper argues that long-term vision and planning is needed, as well as a whole of government approach to help the value chain respond to present and future challenges.