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1121 vs 1509 vs 1718 Basmati: Which Variety Should You Import?

28 October 2026 · 6 min read · Sunita Agri Exports Export Team

1121 vs 1509 vs 1718 Basmati: Which Variety Should You Import?

Most Indian basmati sold abroad today is one of three Pusa varieties: 1121, 1509 and 1718. They look similar in the bag but differ in length after cooking, aroma, price and which markets prefer them.

1121 basmati

The longest grain of the three, with raw grains often around 8.3 mm and cooked grains that can stretch past 20 mm. It is the benchmark in the Gulf, especially Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait, and in many restaurants worldwide. It is sold as raw (white), steam and golden sella (parboiled).

1509 basmati

A shorter-duration crop with grains close to 1121 in length and a good aroma, usually at a lower price. Buyers choose it as a value long-grain basmati. Because it grows in a hotter part of the season, pesticide management matters for EU-bound lots, so test reports are essential.

1718 basmati

Bred as a disease-resistant version of 1121 with very similar grain and cooking qualities. It suits buyers who want 1121-type rice with a better residue profile, which is why it is increasingly asked for in Europe.

Forms you can order

  • Raw / white: milled without parboiling; softest texture and strongest aroma.
  • Steam: paddy steamed lightly before milling; firmer grains that stay separate.
  • Sella (white or golden): fully parboiled; very robust in cooking, favoured by caterers and in the Gulf.

Points for your contract

Specify the variety, form, average grain length, broken percentage (for example max 1% or 2%), moisture, purity (how much non-basmati grain is allowed), crop year and ageing, and the bag type. Ask for a cooked-grain test from the sample before you confirm.

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