Indian Rice Varieties for Export: From Premium Basmati to Mass-Market Rice
India is the world’s leading exporter of rice, supplying both premium basmati rice and affordable non-basmati rice to global markets. Whether you are importing rice for retail, wholesale, restaurants, or institutional supply, choosing the right variety is crucial. Each type of rice has unique qualities that make it suitable for different customers.
In this guide, we break down the most popular Indian rice varieties for export, categorized into Premium, Mid-Segment, and Mass-Market options.
Premium Basmati Varieties
- Average grain length: 8.30–8.40 mm (before cooking)
- Elongation ratio: 2.0–2.5x after cooking
- Known as the longest grain basmati rice in the world
- Exceptional elongation after cooking, rich aroma, and delicate taste
- Preferred by luxury retail brands, five-star hotels, and fine dining restaurants
- Average grain length: 8.30–8.40 mm (before cooking)
- Elongation ratio: 1.8–2.0x after cooking
- Closely matches 1121 in aroma and cooking style
- Slightly shorter in grain but more economical
- Gaining popularity in both retail packs and wholesale export markets
- Average grain length: 7.60–7.80 mm
- Elongation ratio: 2.0–2.4x after cooking
- Moderate grain length and aroma
- Well-suited for bulk exports, catering, and everyday retail packs
Mid-Segment Basmati Varieties
- Average grain length: 8.30–8.40 mm (before cooking)
- Elongation ratio: 2.2–2.7x after cooking
- Lighter grain than 1121 but still aromatic
- Widely exported due to its balance of price and quality
- Popular among restaurants, catering services, and mid-value retailers
- Average grain length: 7.40–7.50 mm (before cooking)
- Elongation ratio: 2.0–2.4x after cooking
- Earlier developed variety of basmati
- Offers good aroma and cooking performance at a lower price point
- Used by economy retail brands and mid-range restaurants
Mass-Market / Economy Rice Varieties
- Average grain length: 7.80–8.00 mm
- Elongation ratio: 1.7–2.2x after cooking
- Aromatic non-basmati rice, often marketed as a basmati alternative
- Very popular in bulk supply, mid-tier restaurants, and catering businesses
Taj Rice
- Average grain length: 8.00–8.10 mm
- Elongation ratio: 1.8–2.0x after cooking
- Budget-friendly non-basmati variety
- Commonly used in household consumption, small retailers, and catering
RH10 Rice
- Average grain length: 7.30–7.50 mm
- Elongation ratio: 1.8–2.0x after cooking
- Low-cost non-basmati rice
- Primarily exported for institutional catering, foodservice, and wholesale
- Average grain length: 7.00–7.10 mm
- Elongation ratio: 1.8–2.0x after cooking
- Non-basmati, long-grain rice with mild aroma
- Affordable choice for households, retail brands, and foodservice
PR 11/14 Rice
- Average grain length: 6.70–6.90 mm
- Elongation ratio: 1.7–1.9x after cooking
- Non-basmati, medium-quality grains
- Used in canteens, mid-budget catering, and wholesale supply
PR 106/47 Rice
- Average grain length: 6.30–6.50 mm
- Elongation ratio: 1.7–1.9x after cooking
- Entry-level budget rice variety
- Primarily used in labor camps, institutional catering, and mass meal programs
Why Buyers Choose Indian Rice
- Quality & Aroma: Indian basmati rice is globally recognized for its aroma and long grains.
- Wide Range: From luxury basmati to budget non-basmati, there’s a variety for every market.
- Strong Export Network: India has a well-established supply chain ensuring timely delivery worldwide.
Conclusion
If you are planning to import rice from India, understanding the differences between rice varieties can help you select the right type for your target customers. While 1121, 1718, and 1401 Basmati serve the premium market, 1509 and PUSA Basmati cater to mid-segment buyers, and Sugandha, Taj, RH10, Sharbati, PR 11/14, and PR 106/47 provide cost-effective solutions for the mass market.
By sourcing the right variety, importers and distributors can maximize customer satisfaction while staying competitive in price and quality.