Basmati Rice from India: Types, Quality, and Top Exporters

Among many types of rice in the world, Basmati rice from India is one of the most prominent ones. if you are intending to import basmati rice from India, here are the most important aspects you should know about this famous type of rice.

1. Origin of Basmati rice from India

India Basmati rice is worldwide popular and you can find it almost everywhere but do you understand the meaning behind its name and how to choose the suitable types of Basmati rice from India. Below is the must-know information to you about this type of rice.

Basmati rice from India is a type of long, slender, and aromatic rice. After being cooked, Basmati rice becomes dry, fluffy, and also has a nutty flavor, pleasant aroma. It is most famous for its appetizing fragrance since the name “Basmati” literally means “full of fragrance” in Hindi.

India is believed to be the homeland of basmati rice. In India, it has been grown for centuries in the foothills of the Himalayas. Later traders had introduced this aromatic rice to the Middle East. Since then, Basmati rice from India has become popular in Middle Eastern and Persian meals as well.

Nowadays, Basmati rice from India is cultivated among the states of Haryana, Delhi, J & K, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, and western Uttar Pradesh. Most Basmati rice from India is now consumed by buyers in Saudi Arabia, Iran, and UAE and some are exported to the EU and US markets. Basmati rice from India has become the national pride of India since India is regarded as one of the world-leading basmati rice exporters.

2. Types of Basmati rice from India

There are so far at least 34 varieties but here are some of the best basmati rice from India:

2.1. Pusa Basmati 1121

Also known as Muchal Basmati, this type of Basmati rice from India has a long-tipped point. These rice grains are soft, slender and are served in dishes like Biryani and Pilaf. Muchal Basmati is the most widely consumed type of Basmati rice from India.

2.2. Pusa Basmati 1

The Pusa Basmati 1 is very long rice grain with a pleasant aroma. After being cooked, the rice expands four times its raw size. In comparison with other Basmati rice from India, it is well known for its easy digestibility. Pusa Basmati is also a leading product in the basmati rice wholesale market.

2.3. Ranbir Basmati

Ranbir Basmati is an old variety of rice that is usually consumed in Jammu & Kashmir and Dehradun. The grains are distinctively long, aromatic, and tasty which is why it is preferred by the local consumers. Among many types of Basmati rice from India, this one is popular among consumers in general.

2.4. Basmati 386

These rice grains are believed to double their length when cooked. The Basmati 386 is a premium type of Basmati rice from India, quite popular in the global market.

2.5. Taraori Basmati

Also known as Karnal local, the Taraori Basmati rice variety is brown basmati rice from india and prevalent in Taraori. It is regarded as the oldest Basmati rice from India. In particular, Taraori is used to cook Pilaf, and has become a popular ingredient in weddings and events feats…

2.6. Basmati 217

Among different types of Basmati Rice from India, the Basmati 217 is the newest. It is well known for its exquisite taste and appetizing aroma. The grains of the Basmati 217 are fairly long and fine.

3. How to choose suitable types of rice in india

If you are a new consumer of Basmati rice from India, you might be overwhelmed by the number of types in the market and wonder about how to choose the suitable types. Here’s where we mention all the factors that you should take into account before deciding to buy any Basmati rice from India.

• Aroma: Is it fragrant, pleasant, or appetizing?
• Taste: If you find the rice to be soft, fluffy, and bring you exceptional taste, it is exactly the type of Basmati rice from India you are looking for.
• Texture: Is it delicate to the touch, non-sticky, and whether the grains stay separately from each other when cooked or not? If yes, you’ve got yourself the best type of Basmati Rice from India.

4. Nutrition facts and health benefits of Basmati rice from India

Not only famous for its aroma, flavor, both white basmati rice from India and brown rice contains a high nutrition value and has a wide range of health benefits

4.1. Nutrition facts of Basmati rice from India

One cup (163 grams) of cooked white basmati rice contains

Containing a wide variety of nutritions, Basmati rice from India is regarded to be one of the most nutritious rice in the world.

4.2. Health benefits of Basmati rice from India

Containing a great number of vital nutrients, Basmati rice from India has many health benefits.

4.2.1. Good for the brains

Basmati rice from India contains a great amount of Vitamin B, including thiamine (B12). With just one serving of Basmati rice, you can absorb around 22% of your daily diet recommendation of this type of vitamin. Thiamine is essential for brain health. Lack of Thiamine can lead to Wernicke encephalopathy, a threatening condition for the central and peripheral nervous system.

4.2.2. Good for diabetics

Many people believe that people with diabetes should get rid of rice in their daily meals because normal rice contains a great amount of glycemic index (GI), which can cause a sudden spike and dip in blood sugar levels. However, basmati rice from India has a low level of (GI), from 50 to 58. Thus, diabetics can eat Basmati rice in small portions.

4.2.3. Rich in fiber

Basmati rice from India contains a high level of fiber. A diet that is rich in fiber can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and strengthen bowel movements. The amount of fiber in Basmati rice can add bulk and assist the movement of waste in the digestive tract.

4.2.4. Reducing the threat of cancer

Basmati rice from India contains a lot of fiber, which is also linked to reducing the risk of many types of cancer, especially colorectal cancer. With 3 ounces of Basmati rice in your daily diet, you can reduce the risk of having cancer by around 17%.

4.2.5. Reducing the threat of heart disease

Brown basmati rice from India is included in the category of whole grains, which are considered to lower the risk of heart disease and have a low level of cholesterol. It can also mitigate the threat of high blood pressure or hypertension.

5. How to cook Basmati rice from India

Here is the precise way to cook Basmati rice from India.

1. Step 1: For perfect basmati rice, measure 1 cup of basmati + 1 ½ cups cold water.
2. Step 2: Bring the pot to a boil. Put the pot on high heat with the lid. When the water starts to boil, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot.
3. Step 3: Simmer the rice. Wait for 12 minutes. Don’t peek at the rice!
4. Step 4: Let the rice rest. Move the pot off the heat and leave the rice to rest for 10 minutes with the lid on. This step is very important and will give you the fluffy rice that you are looking for!
5. Step 5: Fluff the rice. Use a fork or spoon to gently fluff the rice. Then you have a delicious dish of Basmati rice.

Read more: Top 5 Mouth-Watering Basmati Rice Recipes

6. Top Basmati rice exporters from India You Can Reference

6.1. Amar Singh Chawal Wala – A house of Lal Qilla

Founded in 1900 by Shri Amar Singh in Amritsar, Amar Singh Chawal Wala started as a small wholesale grain shop and grew into a multinational enterprise.

Today, it is one of India’s top 10 rice brands, ISO 22000 certified, and globally known for its Lal Qilla Basmati rice – famous for extra-long grains, rich aroma, and authentic taste.

Key strengths:

• Over 120 years of rice expertise.
• Consistent product quality and aroma retention.
• Strong international presence across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

6.2. Shri Lal Mahal Group

Established in 1907, the Shri Lal Mahal Group is among India’s oldest and largest rice exporters. The company is globally recognized for both Basmati and non-Basmati rice of premium quality.

It exports to more than 44 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. With a processing capacity of over 3,000 metric tons per day, the company ensures consistent volume and quality in every shipment.

Highlights:

• More than a century of export experience.
• Pioneer in India’s first 5,000 MT Basmati shipment to Europe.
• Modern milling and packaging facilities that meet global standards.

6.3. Mahavir Rice & Gen. Mills

Founded in 1985 in Karnal, Haryana – the heart of India’s rice belt – Mahavir Rice Mills has become a trusted exporter of premium Basmati rice.

By adopting advanced technology and strict quality control, MRM delivers high-grade, long-grain Basmati rice to multiple international markets.

Key strengths:

• 35+ years of expertise in rice manufacturing.
• Focus on purity, grain length, and aroma.
• Reliable exporter serving Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.

6.4. KRBL Limited

Founded over a century ago, KRBL Limited stands as India’s largest Basmati rice exporter and the proud owner of the world-renowned India Gate brand. With deep roots in India’s agricultural heritage, KRBL has built a global reputation for quality, innovation, and sustainability.

Key strengths:

• Over 130 years of experience in rice cultivation and export.
• Advanced milling technology ensuring purity and uniform grain length.
• Commitment to sustainable farming and farmer partnerships.
• Proven consistency in aroma, texture, and taste across product lines.

Main markets:

• Middle East, Europe, and North America, where India Gate is a leading household name for authentic Basmati rice.

6.5. K-Agriculture

While K-Agriculture Factory does not specialize in Basmati rice, it is one of Vietnam’s top agricultural exporters, supplying a wide range of high-quality rice varieties such as Jasmine Rice, KDM Rice, and Broken Rice to over 80 countries worldwide.

With 25+ years of experience, K-Agriculture has earned a strong reputation among global importers for its commitment to quality, sustainable sourcing, and competitive pricing. The company operates a modern factory system certified by HACCP and ISO standards, ensuring product consistency and international compliance.

Key strengths:

• Reliable supplier for fragrant and premium Vietnamese rice varieties.
• Long-standing partnerships with B2B importers, wholesalers, and distributors.
• Focus on quality assurance, traceability, and sustainability in every shipment.

Main markets:

• Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, with expanding presence in Europe and the Americas.

If you are interested in K-Agriculture’s products, feel free to contact us via:

• Email: info@k-agriculture.com
• Website: https://k-agriculture.com/
• WhatsApp: +84855555694

7. Conclusion

K-Agriculture is proud to bring the best agricultural products from Vietnam to the international market. Specializing in wholesale Rice, Coffee, and Spices we have brought our products with the highest quality to over 80 countries. Supported by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, K-Agriculture Factory becomes a national project to bring Vietnamese Rice, Coffee, and Spices to the world.

For special discounts and free consultation, contact us via

WhatsApp: +848555555594

Email: info@k-agriculture.com