In the International Chef Conference on Basmati for the World 2011 which was inaugurated in Delhi on Tuesday, the delegate chefs were urged to be partners in the promotion effort by reaching Basmati Rice to the local households in the target markets through main stream cuisines such as Chinese, Mexican, Italian and Thai foods.

India exports more than 2 million tonne Basmati Rice to over 100 countries across the globe annually. Basmati is the single largest agro product exported from India, valued at about $ 2.5 billion.

The two-day culinary extravaganza has been organized by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority of India (APEDA) and the Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry alongwith All India Rice Exporters Association (AIREA) in a bid to promote Indian Basmati rice in the international markets.

“Indian Basmati has gained greater recognition for its quality in the world market and country has recently been successful in expanding export of this unique aromatic rice to new markets including Africa, Europe Latin America, Oceania and Central Asian regions. As part of Government’s newer strategy to double over all exports by year 2014 a special focus has been given on employment intensive sector agri-exports for which the export target has been set at $22 billion. The Ministry of Commerce has prepared a strategy paper envisaging doubling of exports to $500 billion by 2014,” said the Indian Commerce Secretary, Rahul Khullar while inaugurating the conference.

The Indian Government in a move to give boost to Indian exports to new and emerging markets is provide additional support to exporters for 41 markets in Africa. It has introduced a special focus market scheme to reach out to 12 new markets of Latin America, 22 new markets of Africa and seven new markets of Central Asia.

During the inaugural function, the Indian Commerce Secretary alongwith Mr Asit Tripathy, Chairman, APEDA, Asit Tripathy President AIREA, Vijay Setia and celebrity chefs from across the world launched a coffee table book “Basmati”.

The APEDA Chairman, Asit Tripathy said : “the thought behind the Chef Conclave is reaching Basmati to the local households in the target markets through main stream cuisines such as Chinese, Mexican, Italian and Thai foods.”

During the two-day unique conclave for promotion of Basmati Rice, the global celebrity culinary masters will re-invent their own local dishes with Indian Basmati rice for a congregation of international food columnists and international trade.

“The main objective of the conference is to promote Indian Basmati Rice across the world by integrating Basmati rice into their local recipe. We want chefs, buyers and food critics from US, Mexico, Italy, France, Moscow and other parts of the globe. As part of Basmati promotion initiative a Basmati Coffee table book was released during the event carrying detailed information on this unique Indian rice, its essence and how it has been preserved over the centuries to modern days. Also included are about 30 recipes created by these chefs from Basmati rice.” Tripathy said.

A Live Basmati Kitchen is a major highlight of the conclave where on day one global chefs create, display and serve their dishes. Similarly on the second day Indian celebrity chefs will showcase their culinary skills with Basmati. The soiree will be attended by who’s who of the industry, diplomats and concerned government department.