Indian Essence foods
Pusa Basmati (PB1): The Game-Changer in Modern Basmati Rice Cultivation
Indian Essence Pusa Basmati 1 Rice is a modern, premium variety of basmati rice, developed through advanced agricultural practices to combine the authentic aroma of traditional basmati with the advantages of higher yield and excellent grain quality. It is one of the most popular basmati varieties in India and abroad, loved for its long grains, delightful fragrance, and superb cooking performance.
Sourced from the fertile paddy fields of northern India, Pusa Basmati is carefully aged, milled, and packed by Indian Essence to preserve its natural elegance and purity.
Pusa Basmati 1 was the first semi-dwarf, high-yielding Basmati variety, developed using traditional breeding techniques. It paved the way for Basmati to expand from low-yield, long-duration farming to a more profitable, practical, and large-scale model. PB1 continues to be grown and traded across domestic and international markets due to its robust productivity, uniform grain size, and distinct aroma.

Agronomic Features
Indian Essence Pusa Basmati 1 was designed to be a farmer-friendly variety, with characteristics that make cultivation easier and more rewarding. Here are its key agronomic attributes:
- Crop Duration: 135–140 days (significantly shorter than traditional Basmati)
- Plant Height: 100–110 cm (semi-dwarf, reduces lodging)
- Yield Potential: 18–22 quintals per acre (2–3 times higher than traditional varieties)
- Sowing Time: June to early July
- Maturity: Late October to early November
- Irrigation Requirement: Moderate
- Soil Type: Suitable for sandy loam to clayey soils
- Fertilizer Requirement: Balanced NPK with moderate inputs
This variety performs best under irrigated conditions and is ideal for regions with medium water availability. Its early maturity helps farmers plan better crop rotation and avoid terminal moisture stress or disease.
Grain and Milling Qualities
Indian Essence PB1 delivers consistent and attractive long grains that meet domestic and export standards. Although newer varieties like 1121 and 1509 have longer grain length, PB1 still holds strong in markets that demand balanced characteristics.
- Raw Paddy Grain Length: 7.1 – 7.4 mm
- Grain Type: Long, slender
- Cooked Grain Length: 13.5 – 14.5 mm
- Elongation Ratio: 2.1 to 2.3x
- Grain Texture: Fluffy and separate upon cooking
- Aroma: Strong, authentic Basmati fragrance
- Whiteness & Polish: Good polishing results with Sortex
- Chalkiness: Low to medium
Indian Essence PB1 rice is available in raw, steam, white sela, and golden sela forms, catering to multiple markets. Its cooked rice holds up well in bulk catering, restaurant dishes, and traditional Indian meals.
Culinary and Commercial Appeal
Indian Essence PB1 is widely appreciated for its taste and fragrance. It fits both home cooking and commercial use:
- In Households: Preferred for daily meals due to consistency and affordability.
- In Hotels & Restaurants: Commonly used for pulao, jeera rice, and thalis.
- In Catering: Popular for large-scale biryani cooking due to consistent grain separation and aroma.
- In Exports: Serves mid-range Basmati buyers in Gulf and Asian countries.
Its cooked grains are non-sticky, elongated, and aromatic, making it an economical alternative to premium long-grain varieties while still offering true Basmati character.
Post-Harvest and Milling Behavior
Indian Essence PB1 rice offers good milling yield and stable processing quality, especially for brands that want a reliable product in the mid-segment Basmati range.
- Head Rice Recovery: 52–55%
- Color Sorting Efficiency: High
- Breakage During Milling: Low with proper paddy drying
- Storage Performance: Stores well for 6–12 months with aging
It is suitable for bulk packaging, retail packs, and branded export bags, providing consistent output for processors.
Farmer and Trade Advantages
Indian Essence Pusa Basmati 1 offers multiple benefits that make it a smart choice for cultivators and traders:
For Farmers
Higher Yield: Two to three times more productive than traditional Basmati
Shorter Duration: Enables better crop rotation and reduces water needs
Disease Resistance: Moderate resistance to common pests and diseases
Lower Input Costs: Requires moderate fertilizer and pesticide input
Market Reliability: Consistent demand in the middle price segment
For Traders/Exporters
Affordable Price Point: Appeals to large buyer base seeking aroma and affordability
Consistent Supply: Easily available due to widespread cultivation
Multiple Product Grades: Raw, steam, sela options expand market scope
Blend Compatibility: Can be blended with higher-priced varieties to optimize cost
Global Export Market
Indian Essence PB1 is a staple in India’s Basmati export portfolio, especially for price-sensitive buyers. It is widely accepted in:
- Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Iraq
- Africa: Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria
- South Asia: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka
- Europe & UK: Budget Basmati segment
- North America: Indian community usage
Though newer long-grain varieties dominate the premium market, PB1 holds strong in mid-tier Basmati due to its balance of quality and cost.
Why Choose Indian Essence Pusa Basmati Rice?
- Authenticity: Brings the traditional basmati experience with modern refinement.
- Nutritional Value: Rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and essential minerals.
- Premium Quality: Each grain is aged for flavor and carefully milled for consistency.
- Trusted Brand: Indian Essence ensures purity, hygiene, and reliability in every pack.
Comparison With Other Basmati Varieties
Variety Duration Raw Grain Length Aroma Yield (qtl/acre) Elongation Ratio
Traditional 370 155 days 6.8 – 7.0 mm Very High 7–9 2.2x
PB1 135 days 7.2 – 7.4 mm High 18–22 2.1x
1121 Basmati 140 days 8.4 – 8.6 mm Very High 20–24 2.7x
1509 Basmati 115 days 8.2 mm Medium 22–26 2.3x
While not as long as newer basmati types, Indian Essence PB1’s strength lies in balanced pricing, authentic aroma, and yield reliability.
Conclusion
Indian Essence Pusa Basmati 1 is a milestone in India’s rice breeding history. It not only modernized Basmati farming but also created a foundation for future Basmati varieties. Even today, PB1 remains relevant for its balance between agronomic efficiency and Basmati characteristics.
For farmers, PB1 offers a dependable crop with good market value. For millers and exporters, it provides a consistent product with steady demand. For consumers, it delivers the traditional taste, aroma, and texture that define true Basmati — all at an affordable price.