Indian Essence foods
1718 Basmati Rice: The Next-Gen Aromatic Grain for Sustainable Farming
Indian Essence 1718 Basmati Rice is a premium hybrid variety of basmati, developed for its remarkable grain length, enticing aroma, and superior cooking quality. Known as the successor to traditional basmati lines, the 1718 variety combines the heritage of authentic basmati with the benefits of modern cultivation, making it a favorite among households, hotels, and caterers alike.
Sourced from India’s fertile paddy fields, Indian Essence carefully selects, processes, and ages this rice to ensure each grain offers purity, elegance, and taste that define true basmati.

Agronomic Characteristics
Indian Essence 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
Indian Essence 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
Indian Essence 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
Indian Essence 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, Indian Essence 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
Indian Essence 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
Indian Essence 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 Indian Essence 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
Indian Essence 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
Indian Essence 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, Indian Essence 1718 Basmati Rice delivers an experience that is authentic, aromatic, and enduring.