Which variety of rice was patented by a U.S. company even though the highest number of varieties of this rice are found in India ?

Options

A. Sharbati sonara
B. Co-667
C. Basmati
D. Lerma Roja

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks for a specific variety of rice that was patented by a U.S. company, despite the fact that the highest number of varieties of this rice are found in India.

2. **Identifying the U.S. Company**: The U.S. company involved in the patenting of the rice variety is Rice Tech.

3. **Recognizing the Rice Variety**: The rice variety that was patented by Rice Tech is Basmati rice. This variety is known for its slender shape and aromatic qualities.

4. **Understanding Biopiracy**: The act of patenting a biological resource that is traditionally found in another country, without proper acknowledgment or benefit-sharing, is referred to as biopiracy. In this case, Rice Tech's patenting of Basmati rice is an example of biopiracy.

5. **Geographical Indication (GI) Tag**: India has a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Basmati rice, which recognizes its unique qualities and origin. Despite this, Rice Tech proceeded to patent it.

6. **Eliminating Other Options**: The other options provided (Sharapati Sonara, Larmar Roja, and co-667) are not varieties of rice. Sharapati Sonara and Larmar Roja are varieties of wheat, while co-667 is a variety of soybean. Therefore, they are not the correct answer.

7. **Conclusion**: The correct answer to the question is Basmati rice, which is option three.

**Final Answer**: Basmati rice.

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