Introduction:
Indian Basmati rice is a unique long-grain aromatic rice, cultivated for centuries in the specific geographical region of the Himalayan foothills in the Indian subcontinent. Known for its extra-long, slender grains that elongate to at least twice their original size when cooked, Basmati rice offers a distinctive soft and fluffy texture, delicious taste, superior aroma, and a distinct flavour that sets it apart from other aromatic long-grain rice varieties.
The unique qualities of Indian Basmati rice are attributed to the agro-climatic conditions of its specific growing area, along with the meticulous methods of harvesting, processing, and aging. This "scented pearl" is renowned internationally, celebrated as a premium brand that brings a touch of class to any dish, transforming even the simplest meal into a gourmet's delight. Its esteemed reputation and unparalleled characteristics have made Indian Basmati rice a preferred choice among chefs and food enthusiasts worldwide, solidifying its status as a symbol of quality and luxury in global cuisine.
Varieties:
So far 45 varieties of Basmati rice have been notified under the seeds Act, 1966. These are Basmati 217, Punjab Basmati 1 (Bauni Basmati), Basmati 386, Punjab Basmati 2, Punjab Basmati 3, Basmati 370, Haryana Basmati 1, Taraori Basmati (HBC 19), Type 3 (Dehraduni Basmati), Pant Basmati 1 (IET 21665), Pant Basmati 2 (IET 21953), Kasturi, Mahi Sugandha, Basmati CSR 30 (After amendment), Malviya Basmati Dhan 10-9 (IET 21669), Ranbir Basmati, Basmati 564, Pusa Basmati 1, Pusa Basmati 1121 (After amendment), Pusa Basmati 1509 (IET 21960), Pusa Basmati 6 (Pusa 1401), Pusa Basmati 1609, Pusa Basmati 1637, Pusa Basmati 1728, Vallabh Basmati 22, Vallabh Basmati 21 (IET 19493), Vallabh Basmati 23, Vallabh Basmati 24, Pusa Basmati 1718, Punjab Basmati 4, Punjab Basmati 5, Haryana Basmati 2, Pusa Basmati 1692, Jammu Basmati 118, Jammu Basmati 138, Jammu Basmati 129, Jammu Basmati 123, Pusa Basmati 1847, Pusa Basmati 1885, Pusa Basmati 1886, Pusa Basmati 1985, Pusa Basmati 1979, Pusa Basmati 1882, Punjab Basmati 7.
Area of cultivation:
The areas of Basmati Rice production in India are the states of J & K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttarakhand and western Uttar Pradesh
Major Producing states:
Punjab ranks first in terms of production with production levels 3.84 lakh MT accounting for 42.7% of total production whereas Haryana is the second largest producer of Basmati Rice with production 3.67 million MT and a share of 40.87% and UP is third largest producer of Basmati Rice with production 2.0 million MT and a share of 22.8% in 2022-23
Exports:
India is the leading exporter of Basmati Rice to the global market. The country has exported Basmati Rice to the world during the year 2023-24 as follows:
| Export Volume FY24 (MT) | Exported in FY24 (USD Mil) | |
| Basmati Rice | 5242048.39 | 5837.12 |
Major Export Destinations (2023-24):
Saudi Arab, Iran, Iraq, United Arab EMTs, USA, and Yemen Republic.