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1509 Basmati

1509 Basmati Rice – The Early Maturing Jewel of Indian Paddy Fields

Introduction

Basmati rice has long been regarded as the pride of Indian agriculture. Known for its extraordinary grain length, enchanting aroma, and unmatched flavor, Basmati has earned global fame. Among its various cultivars, Pusa Basmati 1509—popularly known as 1509 Basmati Rice—is a relatively newer variety that offers a perfect blend of traditional Basmati traits and modern agricultural efficiency.

Released by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in Pusa, New Delhi, 1509 Basmati has quickly risen to become one of the most widely cultivated and exported Basmati varieties. Thanks to its shorter crop duration, higher yields, and better return on investment, 1509 is now a favorite among farmers, millers, exporters, and consumers worldwide.

Origin and Development

1509 Basmati Rice was officially released in 2013 as a replacement or upgrade to Pusa 1121. It was developed to address certain limitations faced by earlier varieties such as longer crop duration, water requirements, and lower resistance to lodging (plant falling due to height).

The key focus of developing 1509 was to:

  • Reduce cultivation time

  • Improve resistance to diseases and lodging

  • Enhance grain yield and milling recovery

  • Maintain traditional Basmati traits like aroma, grain length, and cooking quality

Since its release, 1509 has revolutionized the Basmati rice industry by allowing double cropping and offering early returns for farmers without compromising on quality.

Agronomic Characteristics

One of the biggest advantages of 1509 Basmati rice is its early maturing nature and high productivity. Farmers benefit immensely from its shorter duration, which helps in preparing fields for the next crop (often wheat) while also reducing irrigation costs.

  • Crop Duration: 110–120 days

  • Plant Height: 100–110 cm (semi-dwarf)

  • Grain Yield: 22 to 28 quintals per acre

  • Water Requirement: 25–30% less than 1121

  • Lodging Resistance: Strong stems and short height reduce lodging risks

  • Disease Resistance: Moderate resistance to blast and bacterial leaf blight

This variety is primarily grown in Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of Madhya Pradesh.

Grain and Cooking Characteristics

1509 Basmati rice is highly appreciated for its extra-long grain and excellent cooking characteristics. While its aroma is slightly milder than 1121, its grain elongation and fluffiness are exceptional.

  • Raw Grain Length: 8.3 to 8.5 mm

  • Cooked Grain Length: Up to 20 to 22 mm

  • Elongation Ratio: 2.5 times

  • Grain Shape: Extra-long, slender, and thin

  • Texture After Cooking: Soft, non-sticky, and fluffy

  • Aroma: Mild to moderate Basmati fragrance

  • Color: Available in Raw, Steam, White Sela, and Golden Sela variants

Even after cooking, the grains remain separate, making them perfect for high-end culinary applications and premium rice dishes.

Post-Harvest Processing

Once harvested, 1509 Basmati undergoes a careful milling and polishing process to ensure top-grade quality before it reaches consumers and exporters.

  1. Drying: Grain is sun-dried or machine-dried to reduce moisture content.

  2. Dehusking: Removal of husk using modern milling equipment.

  3. Polishing: Grain is polished to produce Raw, Steam, or Sela varieties.

  4. Grading: Advanced Sortex and grading machines are used to ensure purity and uniformity.

  5. Packaging: Hygienically packed in moisture-proof, food-grade materials ranging from 1 kg to 50 kg bags.

Common market variants include:

  • Raw White Rice – Best for daily household use

  • Steam Rice – Slightly firmer, used in fine cooking

  • White Sela Rice – Parboiled for enhanced durability

  • Golden Sela Rice – Slightly golden tone, used widely in food service

Culinary Applications

1509 Basmati Rice is known for delivering premium quality at a reasonable price. It is especially favored in the food service sector, including hotels, restaurants, caterers, and airline kitchens.

  • Biryani: The preferred choice for Hyderabadi, Kolkata, or Mughlai-style biryanis due to its length and fluffiness

  • Pulao: Vegetable or meat pulao made with 1509 is visually appealing and flavorful

  • Steamed Rice: Ideal with dals, curries, and traditional Indian meals

  • Zafrani Pulao or Zarda: The mild aroma complements saffron-based rice dishes

  • International Dishes: Used in Middle Eastern, Persian, and Indo-Chinese cuisines

Thanks to its cost-effectiveness and reliability, it is often chosen for large-volume catering while still maintaining a premium touch.

Export and Global Demand

1509 Basmati rice has gained significant traction in global markets due to its long grain, stable quality, and better pricing compared to 1121. It offers a balance of economy and excellence, making it attractive to importers worldwide.

Top export destinations include:

  • Middle East: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Qatar

  • Europe: UK, Germany, France, Netherlands

  • North America: USA and Canada

  • Asia-Pacific: Australia, Singapore, Malaysia

  • Africa: South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana

Buyers prefer 1509 for both retail packs and institutional supply due to its consistent quality and cooking performance.

Advantages for Stakeholders

For Farmers:

  • Shorter crop duration means early harvest and better crop planning

  • Lower water consumption

  • Better disease and lodging resistance

  • Higher yield and more income per acre

For Millers:

  • Higher head rice recovery

  • Less breakage during milling

  • Easy to process and store

For Exporters:

  • Competitive price with excellent grain quality

  • Strong global demand and customer satisfaction

  • Versatile product for various markets

For Consumers:

  • Long, fluffy grains with a soft texture

  • Aromatic and flavorful rice

  • Suitable for everyday use as well as special occasions

Certifications and Quality Assurance

Leading exporters and manufacturers ensure strict quality controls in the production and processing of 1509 Basmati rice. Certifications may include:

  • FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India)

  • APEDA (Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority)

  • ISO, HACCP, and BRC compliance

  • Laboratory Testing: For grain length, moisture, aroma, foreign matter, and pesticide residues

  • Organic Certification: Some producers also offer organically grown 1509 Basmati rice

Conclusion

 

Pusa Basmati 1509 is a game-changing variety that bridges the gap between traditional aroma-rich rice and modern-day farming efficiency. Its shorter crop cycle, high yield, long slender grains, and cost-effectiveness make it an ideal choice for farmers, exporters, retailers, and consumers.