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1718 Basmati

1718 Basmati Rice – The Next-Gen Aromatic Grain for Sustainable Farming

Introduction

India’s rich legacy of Basmati rice cultivation has evolved through years of agricultural innovation, blending heritage with science to create superior varieties. Among these, Pusa Basmati 1718, commonly known as 1718 Basmati Rice, is a highly promising variety introduced by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, as a replacement for the popular Pusa Basmati 1121.

Pusa Basmati 1718 was developed with a specific goal in mind — to offer all the premium traits of traditional Basmati (like long grain length and pleasant aroma) with built-in resistance to bacterial leaf blight (BLB). This not only improves crop reliability for farmers but also enhances sustainability by reducing pesticide use.

With strong agronomic advantages and excellent grain quality, 1718 Basmati rice is making a significant impact in domestic and international markets.

Origin and Development

Pusa Basmati 1718 was developed by IARI’s Division of Genetics as an improvement over Pusa Basmati 1121 — one of the most widely grown Basmati varieties that lacked disease resistance, especially against bacterial leaf blight (BLB). This vulnerability often led to reduced yield and economic losses for farmers.

Scientists used marker-assisted selection (MAS) techniques to introduce two BLB-resistant genes (Xa21 and xa13) into the 1121 genetic background. This ensured that 1718 retained the exceptional grain and cooking qualities of 1121 but came with much-needed disease resistance, making it a game-changer for the Basmati industry.

Agronomic Characteristics

1718 is a semi-dwarf, high-yielding Basmati variety that provides multiple advantages at the field level:

  • Crop Duration: 120 to 130 days

  • Plant Height: 105 to 110 cm

  • Yield Potential: 20–26 quintals per acre (higher under optimal management)

  • Lodging Resistance: Moderate to good

  • Disease Resistance: Excellent resistance to BLB (Xa21 and xa13 genes), moderate resistance to sheath blight and blast

Due to its strong resistance profile, the need for chemical sprays is significantly reduced, making it a more eco-friendly and economical option for farmers.

Grain and Milling Characteristics

Pusa Basmati 1718 is known for its extra-long slender grains, aromatic profile, and impressive elongation ratio. It has comparable post-cooking characteristics to 1121 and is preferred for premium food applications.

  • Grain Length (raw): 8.2–8.4 mm

  • Grain Shape: Slender, long

  • Cooked Grain Length: 19–21 mm

  • Elongation Ratio: 2.5x

  • Aroma: Strong traditional Basmati aroma

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

1718 is suitable for the production of both raw and parboiled (sela) variants, and it is available in Raw, Steam, White Sela, and Golden Sela forms.

Post-Harvest and Processing Advantages

1718 has good milling characteristics, especially in terms of head rice recovery, making it profitable for millers and exporters.

  • Head Rice Recovery: 52% to 55% (depending on milling conditions)

  • Low Breakage: Due to stronger grains

  • Better Sorting & Grading: Works well with modern Sortex and color grading machines

The shelf life is long, and its aromatic quality improves further with aging. Well-aged 1718 is highly demanded in high-end markets.

Culinary Applications

Thanks to its long grain, rich aroma, and non-sticky nature, 1718 Basmati is ideal for both domestic kitchens and commercial food services.

  • Biryani: Perfect for Hyderabadi, Lucknowi, and Mughlai biryanis due to its exceptional elongation

  • Pulao & Fried Rice: Each grain remains separate and visually appealing

  • Daily Meals: High-quality steamed rice for premium households

  • Specialty Cuisine: Widely used in Middle Eastern, Persian, and Mediterranean dishes

Chefs and caterers particularly favor this variety for banquets, hotels, airline meals, and weddings due to its consistent performance and premium feel.

Environmental and Farmer Benefits

One of the standout features of 1718 Basmati is its role in sustainable agriculture. With in-built resistance to bacterial leaf blight, farmers can reduce the usage of chemical sprays, lowering input costs and environmental impact.

Key benefits for farmers:

  • Reduced pesticide cost

  • Less crop loss from disease

  • Better yield stability

  • Higher profits due to premium pricing and reduced cultivation risk

1718 is especially suitable for cultivation in Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, where BLB pressure has traditionally affected Basmati farming.

Export Potential

1718 Basmati Rice has witnessed rising demand in global markets, especially as an alternative to 1121 Basmati with better disease resilience and similar cooking characteristics. It allows exporters to meet international demand while ensuring supply chain stability.

Top export destinations include:

  • Middle East: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Oman

  • Europe: UK, France, Germany

  • Asia-Pacific: Singapore, Australia, Malaysia

  • North America: USA, Canada

1718’s strong aroma, long grains, and affordability make it suitable for both retail packaging and bulk food service orders abroad.

Certifications and Food Safety

Reputed producers and exporters ensure that 1718 Basmati meets the highest food safety and regulatory standards. Typical certifications and compliances include:

  • FSSAI (India)

  • APEDA Registration

  • ISO 22000 / HACCP / BRC for food safety

  • Lab tested for moisture, grain length, polish, and aroma

  • Residue-free certification for export-quality consignments

Many brands also offer organic or chemical-residue-free 1718 Basmati, which appeals to health-conscious consumers globally.

Market Positioning

Pusa 1718 sits between 1121 and 1509 Basmati in terms of pricing. It is a cost-effective yet premium option for markets that want authentic Basmati features with modern-day resilience.

  • Compared to 1121: Slightly lower aroma, but same grain length and elongation

  • Compared to 1509: Better aroma and longer cooking grain

  • Compared to 1401: Higher yield, better disease resistance

This makes 1718 an ideal choice for traders, wholesalers, and retailers who want a premium Basmati option with fewer risks in sourcing.

Conclusion

Pusa Basmati 1718 is a forward-looking variety that caters to the needs of today’s farmers, exporters, and consumers. It maintains the prized features of traditional Basmati rice — like aroma, length, and texture — while incorporating modern traits like disease resistance, high yield, and processing stability.

Its increasing popularity is a testimony to the balance it strikes between quality, sustainability, and profitability. Whether served in a royal biryani or an everyday thali, 1718 Basmati Rice delivers an experience that is authentic, aromatic, and enduring.