Basmati rice is available in several varieties, but 1121, 1509 and 1718 Basmati Rice are among the varieties frequently considered by bulk buyers, wholesalers, rice traders, restaurants, caterers, retailers and international importers.
Although all three offer long, slender grains and the characteristic aroma associated with Basmati rice, they are different in terms of grain characteristics, cooking performance, processing options, price, maturity period and commercial applications.
For buyers, simply choosing the longest grain is not always enough. The final purchase decision should also consider rice variety, raw grain length, cooked grain elongation, aroma, broken percentage, moisture, processing type, ageing, packaging and price per kg or metric ton.
This guide explains the major differences between 1121 vs 1509 vs 1718 Basmati Rice to help you select the right variety for retail, wholesale, food service or export requirements.
| Feature | 1121 Basmati Rice | 1509 Basmati Rice | 1718 Basmati Rice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice type | Extra-long Basmati | Long/extra-long Basmati | Long/extra-long Basmati |
| Approx. raw grain length | Around 8.3–8.4 mm | Around 8.3–8.4 mm in commercial specifications | Around 8.1–8.35 mm depending on specification |
| Cooked elongation | Excellent | Very good | Very good |
| Aroma | Strong, traditional Basmati aroma | Good aroma | Strong aroma |
| Price position | Generally premium | Generally more economical | Usually between 1121 and 1509, depending on grade |
| Cooking performance | Excellent grain elongation and separation | Good elongation with faster cooking characteristics | Good elongation and separation |
| Common processing | Raw, Steam, Sella, Golden Sella | Raw, Steam, Sella, Golden Sella | Raw, Steam, Sella, Golden Sella |
| Common applications | Premium biryani, retail, HORECA, export | Bulk supply, restaurants, catering, value-focused markets | Premium/value Basmati, HORECA and export |
| Commercial advantage | Premium grain appearance | Competitive price and early-maturing variety | 1121-related grain quality with improved disease resistance |
Actual specifications can vary between crop, milling quality, processing method and supplier. For commercial purchasing, buyers should request a representative sample and specification sheet.
Sunways Trading is a trusted entity engaged in the manufacturing, exporting and wholesale supply of Basmati Rice, Non-Basmati Rice, Soyabean Meal, Wheat and Yellow Corn. The company serves buyers looking for quality agricultural commodities for domestic, wholesale and international markets.
For Basmati rice buyers, Sunways Trading offers different varieties and processing options to meet the requirements of wholesalers, distributors, retailers, restaurants, caterers, food-service businesses and international importers.
The company's Basmati Rice range includes commercially demanded varieties such as 1121 Basmati Rice, 1509 Basmati Rice and 1718 Basmati Rice, allowing buyers to compare grain length, quality, processing type and pricing according to their specific requirements.
When purchasing Basmati Rice in bulk, buyers generally look for consistent quality, competitive pricing, reliable supply and suitable packaging. Sunways Trading caters to these commercial requirements with Basmati and Non-Basmati rice options for different markets.
Buyers can discuss requirements such as:
Whether you are sourcing rice for wholesale distribution, retail packing, restaurants, catering, HORECA or export, Sunways Trading can help buyers identify a suitable rice variety and specification according to their quantity and market requirements.
If you are comparing 1121 vs 1509 vs 1718 Basmati Rice, the right choice depends on your required grain length, cooking performance, processing type, budget and end application.
Sunways Trading can be approached for bulk and wholesale requirements of these commercially demanded Basmati Rice varieties. Buyers can share their required variety, processing type, quantity, packaging and destination to receive a suitable quotation.
Along with Basmati Rice, Sunways Trading also deals in Non-Basmati Rice, Soyabean Meal, Wheat and Yellow Corn, making it a sourcing option for buyers looking for multiple agricultural commodities from one supplier.
1121 Basmati Rice, also known as Pusa Basmati 1121, is one of the most recognised extra-long Basmati varieties from India.
It is particularly known for its long slender grain, strong aroma and excellent elongation after cooking. Research on Pusa Basmati 1121 has reported an average grain length of about 8.41 mm and cooked kernel length around 19.1 mm under the studied conditions.
This combination makes 1121 Basmati Rice popular in premium rice markets, especially where cooked grain appearance is important.
1121 is commonly considered for:
For buyers who place greater importance on long cooked grain, aroma and premium presentation, 1121 is often included in the shortlist.
1509 Basmati Rice, commonly referred to as Pusa Basmati 1509, is an early-maturing Basmati variety developed for commercial cultivation.
One of its important agricultural characteristics is its shorter maturity period compared with 1121. Sources describing the variety commonly place its maturity at around 120 days, which contributes to its commercial appeal.
For rice buyers, 1509 Basmati Rice is often considered when the requirement is to balance grain appearance, cooking performance and purchase cost.
Commercial specifications can list 1509 around 8.3–8.4 mm, although exact grain measurements vary by lot and specification.
1509 can be used for:
Its combination of long grain and competitive price makes it relevant for buyers who need larger quantities without necessarily choosing the highest-priced variety.
1718 Basmati Rice, or Pusa Basmati 1718, was developed from the 1121 background with an important focus on improving resistance to bacterial blight.
Research describes PB 1718 as a marker-assisted selection-derived line related to PB 1121, with resistance genes xa13 and Xa21. The studied variety showed long slender grains of about 8.1 mm and a cooked kernel length of around 17.0 mm.
Therefore, 1718 should not simply be viewed as a cheaper or longer version of 1121. It is a distinct variety with its own agricultural and commercial characteristics.
For buyers, 1718 can be considered when grain quality and a variety with improved disease-resistance characteristics are part of the sourcing requirement.
Grain length is one of the first specifications buyers check when purchasing Basmati rice.
However, there is an important distinction between:
Raw grain length and cooked grain length.
A rice variety may have a similar raw grain measurement to another variety but behave differently after cooking.
Research on PB 1121 reported approximately 8.41 mm raw grain and 19.1 mm cooked kernel length, while PB 1718 showed approximately 8.1 mm raw grain and 17.0 mm cooked kernel length in the reported study.
Commercial suppliers may quote different measurements because grain length depends on the specific lot, milling process and specification.
For dishes such as biryani, buyers are often interested in:
Therefore, don't compare Basmati rice only by the number printed against the raw grain length.
A proper cooking test using the actual commercial sample gives a much better indication of final performance.
The price of 1121, 1509 and 1718 Basmati Rice changes according to several factors.
These include:
Therefore, there is no single fixed price for each variety.
For example, an indicative export-price listing dated September 22, 2026 showed different FOB Mundra prices for Steam and Sella forms of 1121, 1509 and 1718, demonstrating that both variety and processing type influence the commercial price.
Similarly, recent Indian market reporting showed Pusa Basmati 1509 paddy selling around ₹3,900–₹4,100 per quintal in Karnal in late August 2026, illustrating how crop-stage mandi prices can move independently from finished rice prices.
In general, buyers may find the following pattern:
This is only a general market positioning. A high-quality 1509 lot can cost more than a lower-grade 1121 lot depending on processing, ageing and specifications.
For an accurate quotation, always compare the same processing type, grain specification, broken percentage, moisture, packaging and order quantity.
1121 has strong demand in premium Basmati markets because of its grain appearance, aroma and cooking elongation.
The premium can also be influenced by supply conditions and the variety's agricultural characteristics.
However, the price difference should not be treated as a guarantee that every 1121 lot will perform better than every 1509 or 1718 lot.
Lot quality matters.
For commercial buyers, the right comparison is:
Variety + Grade + Grain Length + Processing + Ageing + Cooking Performance + Price
rather than variety name alone.
Aroma is another important characteristic of Basmati rice.
1121 is known for its strong traditional Basmati aroma and excellent cooked grain elongation. It is frequently used for premium rice products and biryani.
1509 provides good Basmati characteristics while generally occupying a more competitive price position. It can be suitable for restaurants, catering and bulk buyers looking to manage food cost.
1718 retains strong Basmati characteristics and was developed from the PB 1121 background with bacterial-blight resistance traits. Research has reported strong aroma and good cooking characteristics for the variety.
For biryani, buyers usually look for:
1121 Basmati Rice is widely associated with premium biryani because of its strong elongation and long-grain appearance.
1509 Basmati Rice can be suitable for commercial biryani production where controlling ingredient cost is important.
1718 Basmati Rice can also be considered for biryani and food-service applications where long-grain Basmati characteristics are required.
The final choice should be confirmed through a cooking test because ageing, processing and lot quality can significantly affect cooking performance.
Restaurants and caterers usually purchase rice in larger quantities, so price per kg is important.
At the same time, the rice needs to provide:
1121 can be considered when long-grain appearance and premium positioning are major requirements.
1509 can be considered when the buyer wants good Basmati characteristics with a more cost-conscious purchasing strategy.
1718 can be considered where buyers want long-grain Basmati characteristics along with the variety's agricultural resistance traits.
Wholesale buyers should not purchase Basmati rice based only on the variety name.
Before placing a bulk order, ask the supplier for:
Confirm whether the rice is actually:
Ask for the actual average grain length and tolerance.
A lower broken percentage is generally important for premium whole-grain applications.
Check the moisture specification provided by the supplier.
Specify whether you need:
Ask whether the rice is:
Ageing can influence cooking characteristics, grain separation and final texture.
Bulk buyers may require:
Always request a physical or representative sample before confirming a large order.
The variety is only one part of the purchasing decision.
The processing method also changes the final characteristics of the rice.
Steam processing provides a different texture and cooking behaviour from raw white rice and is widely used in food-service and export markets.
Sella is parboiled and is commonly selected for applications where buyers require firmer grains and good cooking stability.
1509 Steam offers the variety's long-grain characteristics with steam processing, making it relevant for restaurants, catering and bulk markets.
1509 Sella can be considered by buyers looking for a commercially priced parboiled Basmati option.
1718 is also available in commercial Steam and Sella formats, depending on supplier and market requirements.
The easiest way is to match the variety with your purchasing objective.
| Buyer Requirement | Variety to Consider |
|---|---|
| Premium long-grain presentation | 1121 |
| Premium Biryani | 1121 |
| Cost-conscious bulk purchasing | 1509 |
| Restaurant and catering supply | 1509 / 1718 |
| Long-grain Basmati with competitive pricing | 1509 |
| Basmati with 1121-related grain background | 1718 |
| Export-grade premium rice | 1121 / 1718 |
| High-volume food service | 1509 / 1718 |
| Retail premium packs | 1121 |
| Bulk Sella requirement | 1121 / 1509 / 1718 |
These are buying considerations rather than absolute quality rankings. The actual lot specification should always be checked before purchase.
There is no single variety that is suitable for every buyer.
You are looking for:
You are looking for:
You are looking for:
Whether you are buying 1121 Basmati Rice, 1509 Basmati Rice or 1718 Basmati Rice, compare these specifications before finalising the order:
Variety: 1121 / 1509 / 1718
Grain Length: Actual average length in mm
Processing: Raw / Steam / Sella / Golden Sella
Broken: Maximum permitted percentage
Moisture: Supplier's specified maximum
Grain Colour: As per agreed specification
Aroma: Natural Basmati aroma
Age: New crop or aged rice
Packaging: Retail or bulk packaging
Quantity: Required order volume
Origin: Production and milling location
Price: Per kg, quintal or metric ton
Delivery: Domestic or export shipment terms
Sample: Cooking and quality test before bulk purchase
For international buyers, variety selection should be combined with a complete export specification.
An importer should clearly mention:
For example, instead of asking for simply "Basmati Rice price per ton", an importer can request:
1121 Basmati Rice + Steam + specified grain length + specified broken percentage + 5/10/25 kg packaging + required quantity + destination
This allows exporters and suppliers to provide a more accurate quotation.
When searching for 1121 Basmati Rice price per kg, 1509 Basmati Rice price per kg or 1718 Basmati Rice price per kg, remember that online prices can represent different products.
For example:
1121 Raw ≠ 1121 Steam ≠ 1121 Sella
Likewise:
1509 Raw ≠ 1509 Steam ≠ 1509 Sella
and:
1718 Raw ≠ 1718 Steam ≠ 1718 Sella
The grade, processing, ageing, packaging and quantity can all change the final quotation.
Therefore, buyers should compare quotations only when the complete specifications are the same.
1121 and 1509 serve different commercial requirements. 1121 is strongly associated with premium grain length and cooked elongation, while 1509 is often selected for its combination of long grain characteristics and competitive pricing. The appropriate choice depends on the buyer's application and budget.
All three are long-grain Basmati varieties, and commercial specifications can overlap. PB 1121 is well known for exceptional grain elongation. Actual grain length should be confirmed from the supplier's specification and sample rather than relying only on the variety name.
1509 is often positioned as a more economical alternative to 1121, but actual prices change according to grade, processing, crop, ageing, quantity and market conditions.
Pusa Basmati 1718 is a Basmati variety derived from the PB 1121 background using marker-assisted selection. It incorporates resistance to bacterial blight and retains long slender grain and aromatic characteristics.
1121 is commonly selected for premium biryani because of its long cooked grain and presentation. However, 1509 and 1718 can also be used for commercial biryani depending on the desired price, texture and cooking performance.
Restaurants can consider 1121, 1509 or 1718 depending on menu positioning and food cost. For high-volume operations, price, cooking yield, consistency and grain separation should be compared along with aroma and grain length.
Steam and Sella are different processing forms. Sella is parboiled, while Steam Basmati is processed using steam treatment. Their texture, cooking behaviour and commercial applications can differ.
Check the variety, grain length, broken percentage, moisture, colour, aroma, ageing, processing type and cooking performance. For bulk purchases, test a representative sample before confirming the order.
Yes. These varieties are commercially traded for wholesale, HORECA, catering and export requirements. Bulk buyers should provide a clear specification covering variety, processing, grain length, broken percentage, packaging and quantity.
The comparison of 1121 vs 1509 vs 1718 Basmati Rice is not simply about finding the longest grain or the lowest price.
1121 Basmati Rice is strongly associated with premium grain appearance, aroma and cooking elongation.
1509 Basmati Rice provides a long-grain Basmati option that is often commercially attractive for value-focused and high-volume buyers.
1718 Basmati Rice combines long-grain Basmati characteristics with the agricultural disease-resistance traits incorporated into the variety.
For the right purchase decision, compare the actual rice sample, grain length, processing type, broken percentage, moisture, ageing, cooking performance and final quotation.
Whether you are a Basmati rice wholesaler, importer, exporter, distributor, restaurant, caterer, retailer or food-service buyer, a detailed product specification will help you purchase the right rice for your market.
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