Rice is a staple food for a significant portion of India’s population and holds a central place in the country’s agricultural and cultural landscape. India is one of the largest producers and exporters of rice in the world, cultivating a wide variety of rice types that cater to both domestic consumption and international markets.
Varieties of Rice in India
- Basmati Rice: Known for its distinctive aroma, long grains, and fluffy texture, Basmati rice is a premium variety grown primarily in the northern states of Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. This rice when cooked grows anywhere from 6 mm to 8.5 mm in length based on the type. It is highly prized in global markets, especially in Middle Eastern and Western countries.
- Long Grain Rice: India also is home to a variety of long grain rice, which are similar to Basmati Rice but not with the same aroma and texture. Their length when cooked ranges from 4 mm to 7 mm and are widely consumed and exported from India to various parts of the world.
- Jasmine Rice: Although originally from Thailand, Jasmine rice is also cultivated in certain parts of India. This variety is known for its sweet aroma and slightly sticky texture when cooked.
- Sona Masoori: Predominantly grown in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka, Sona Masoori rice is a medium-grain variety. It is lighter and less starchy than other types, making it suitable for daily consumption and a variety of dishes.
- Ponni Rice: Cultivated in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, Ponni rice is favored for its soft texture and is commonly used in South Indian cuisine, particularly for making steamed rice and idlis.
- Gobindobhog: A short-grain, aromatic variety from West Bengal, Gobindobhog rice is essential for traditional Bengali dishes like khichuri and payesh.
India exports several types of Basmati rice, renowned globally for their exceptional aroma, long grains, and exquisite taste. The major types include Traditional Basmati, Pusa Basmati, 1121 Basmati, and Sharbati Basmati. Traditional Basmati retains the authentic characteristics with its slender, long grains and aromatic flavor. Pusa Basmati is a hybrid variety known for its high yield and strong fragrance. 1121 Basmati, another hybrid, is particularly noted for having the longest grain in the world when cooked, and it enjoys high demand for its non-sticky texture and sweet taste. Sharbati Basmati is a cost-effective alternative, offering similar aromatic and long-grain qualities but at a lower price point. These varieties make India a dominant force in the international Basmati rice market, catering to diverse consumer
We, at SMT Export the Indian Basmati and Long Grain Rice. The major varieties that we export are:
- 1401, 1718, 1509, PR11, Sharbati, Taj, Sugandha, PR11, PR14 and RH-10 varieties. We export these in Raw, Steam, Creamy Sella and Golden Sella forms for all these crops.
