Pakistan abandons Basmati claim

15 September 1999

Pakistan abandons Basmati claim

RICE growers in Pakistan, who developed Basmati rice over centuries, have dropped their challenge against the legality of a genetically modified Basmati plant.

The growers no longer intend to challenge the patent imposed on the crop by Rice Tec Corporation of Alvin, Texas, which developed a GM Basmati rice plant.

US lawyers wanted £300,000 deposit before they would start an action.

• The Guardian 15/09/99 page 5