Basmati rice, renowned for its exceptional taste and aroma, commands high demand both domestically and internationally. Its unique characteristic of doubling in size when cooked enhances its appeal, making it a profitable choice for farmers. Let's discuss the top varieties of Basmati rice that offer promising opportunities for farmers across the country.
Pusa Basmati 1718
Pusa Basmati 1718 holds the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag in the Basmati product category. This improved rice variety boasts an average grain yield of 46.4 quintals per hectare, maturing in just 135 days. Derived through Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS), it is resistant to bacterial blight—a refined version of the popular Pusa Basmati 1121. Notably, this variety ranks among the top three foreign exchange earners in Basmati rice. Ideal for cultivation in Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana, Pusa Basmati 1718 presents a lucrative opportunity for farmers seeking higher yields and resistance.
Pusa Basmati 1121
Pusa Basmati 1121 is a Basmati rice variety developed through hybridization, known for its photo-insensitivity, high yield (19–20 quintals per acre), lower water requirement, and early maturity compared to traditional Basmati. It features extraordinarily long grains (up to 9 millimetres), with a high kernel elongation ratio (2 to 2.5), resulting in non-sticky, fluffy, and aromatic cooked rice. The rice has a pleasant taste, minimal expansion when cooked, an alkali-spreading value of 7.0, and an intermediate amylose content of 22%.
Pusa Basmati 1509
Developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Pusa Basmati 1509 stands out as a quick-cooking variety. Characterized by its shorter stature, durability, and rapid maturation (115 days), it offers an average seed yield of 41.4 quintals per hectare—30 days earlier than Pusa Basmati 1121. This variety not only conserves water with 3-4 fewer irrigations but also provides farmers with ample time to prepare subsequent wheat fields post-harvest.
Jaya
The Jaya variety of Basmati rice, an advanced semi-dwarf strain, matures in 130 days, presenting farmers with a potential yield of up to 5 tonnes per hectare. Often hailed as a miraculous rice variety, Jaya offers an attractive option for those seeking robust production and adaptability.
In the pursuit of improving agricultural productivity and meeting market demands, the cultivation of these top Basmati rice varieties—Pusa Basmati 1718, Pusa Basmati 1509, and Jaya—promises significant benefits to farmers. Each variety brings unique attributes such as disease resistance, early maturation, and improved yields, underscoring their value in ensuring sustainable and profitable rice cultivation across diverse agro-climatic regions.
