Why 1121 is the World's Most Traded Basmati
Basmati Rice 1121 was developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and released in 2003. It rapidly became the world's most exported Basmati variety due to its extraordinary grain length — the longest of any commercially grown rice — and its ability to elongate to over 20mm on cooking without sticking or breaking.
The variety carries India's Geographical Indication (GI) protection, meaning only rice grown in specific Himalayan foothills states — Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir — can legally be marketed as Basmati. This exclusivity and traceability is a core selling point for premium retail buyers globally.
The variety carries India's Geographical Indication (GI) protection, meaning only rice grown in specific Himalayan foothills states — Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir — can legally be marketed as Basmati. This exclusivity and traceability is a core selling point for premium retail buyers globally.
Available Forms — Raw, Sella and Steam
Raw White (Traditional) — milled and polished white rice. Requires standard cooking time (20–25 minutes). Preferred in GCC retail and premium restaurant supply. Maximum shelf life 18 months from milling.
Sella (Parboiled Golden) — parboiled before milling, giving the characteristic golden colour. Nutrients driven into the grain. Extended shelf life (24 months). Very forgiving to cook — difficult to overcook. High demand in Iraq, Iran, African markets and airline catering.
Steam Basmati — parboiled with steam, retains white colour of raw but gains nutritional benefits of sella. Growing demand in European retail for health-conscious consumers.
Sella (Parboiled Golden) — parboiled before milling, giving the characteristic golden colour. Nutrients driven into the grain. Extended shelf life (24 months). Very forgiving to cook — difficult to overcook. High demand in Iraq, Iran, African markets and airline catering.
Steam Basmati — parboiled with steam, retains white colour of raw but gains nutritional benefits of sella. Growing demand in European retail for health-conscious consumers.
Top Export Markets for 1121 Basmati
Saudi Arabia is the world's largest single importer of Indian Basmati, taking approximately $1.5 billion annually. Iraq is the second largest at over $1 billion. The UAE, Iran, Kuwait and Oman together account for another $1.5 billion. The United Kingdom, USA and Canada are growing markets driven by South Asian diaspora retail and mainstream premium food trends.
Zenvico Global maintains active supply to buyers in all these markets with regular container and vessel shipments from Kandla, Mundra, Nhava Sheva and Chennai ports.
Zenvico Global maintains active supply to buyers in all these markets with regular container and vessel shipments from Kandla, Mundra, Nhava Sheva and Chennai ports.
Documentation
All 1121 Basmati exports include: APEDA RCAC Certificate (mandatory for all Indian Basmati), Phytosanitary Certificate (Plant Quarantine Authority of India), Certificate of Analysis (moisture, brokens, grain length, aroma grade), Pesticide Residue Report (EU MRL screen for European buyers), Certificate of Origin (FIEO), Commercial Invoice, Packing List and Bill of Lading.
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APEDA Registered GI Protected FSSAI Halal Certified EU Pesticide Compliant Phytosanitary Certified
HS Code
1006.30
India Origin
Export Ready
Export Ready