"The proposal for quality certification of rice meant for exports is being seriously considered. But it has just begun," All India Rice Exporters' Association executive director Brig Anil Adalakha said.

The proposal was at a very preliminary stage and no discussion had been made on the draft proposal, commerce ministry sources said.

The quality certification for rice exporters is aimed at monitoring shipments of the commodity closely by the government. The scheme is also likely to monitor export performance, they said.

The main objective of the proposal is to ensure quality of basmati rice shipped from India to other countries basically to build an image for the country in the global rice market, Adalakha said.

"There are various proposals for the quality certification. But nothing is yet to gaincredence. We have just started discussing it with exporters informally," Adalakha said.

However, the commerce ministry sources said it would take at least one year for the project to be put in shape.

Adalakha said it would take time for scheme to be worked out as the quantity of exports involved was large.

"There are various aspects to be worked out for the scheme," he said.

The rice exporters association has been entrusted with the responsibility of working out the scheme.

The issue of certification for rice meant for exports, particularly basmati, has gained importance in view of threat to Indian basmati by look alike and modified varieties.

Leading exporters of basmati are keen on the certification scheme since they view it as an opportunity to strengthen their hold in the market.

A view in the industry is that certification would have to be worked out scientifically and it should include physical, chemical and sensory characteristics.

The move is also to maintain the exclusivity of Indianbasmati, which of late has been challenged by the patent obtained by an American company for basmati rice developed by it in the US.

In 1997-98, India exported 5.5 lakh tonnes of basmati rice valued at Rs 1,675 crore.