1509 Basmati Rice

1509 Basmati Rice: What Global Buyers Need to Know

What is 1509 Basmati Rice?

Pusa 1509 Basmati Rice is a breakthrough variety of premium Basmati rice, originally developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI). It is a 1509 rice variety grown extensively in the fertile plains of northern India (Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh) and parts of Pakistan, known for its ability to mature early. As one of the longest grain varieties in the world, it is often referred to as the "Length Champion" of Basmati.

Commercial Importance

1509 Basmati acts as a crucial "Volume Driver" in the global rice market. It offers the extraordinary length and visual wow-factor of the more expensive 1121 Basmati but at a more competitive price point due to its shorter cultivation cycle and higher yield. For traders monitoring the 1509 rice price today versus 1121 prices, this variety serves as the perfect strategic alternative.

It allows virtually every 1509 Basmati Rice exporter in India to target the "Premium Mass Market"—consumers who demand the Basmati label and extreme grain length but are price-sensitive regarding the absolute top-tier vintage varieties. Consequently, the 1509 rice rate often fluctuates based on these high-volume export demands.

Core Industries

Basmati Rice 1509 is the undisputed king of the Bulk Catering and HORECA sector. Its ability to elongate significantly upon cooking (up to 2.5x) means fewer grains fill the plate, providing high profitability for restaurants serving Biryani and Mandi.

In the domestic retail sector, where it is often colloquially searched for as 1509 Chawal, it is frequently packaged as "Extra Long Grain Basmati" for everyday premium use. For global traders aiming to buy 1509 basmati rice directly from origin, this variety offers an ideal balance of length, yield, and commercial scalability.

Product Specifications: 1509 Basmati Rice Technical Parameters

1509 vs. 1121 Basmati: The Distinction in Premium Trade

1509 Basmati Rice and 1121 are the two pillars of the modern Basmati export trade, but they serve slightly different market needs. While 1121 is the "Global Gold Standard" for texture and taste, the 1509 variety of rice captures the "Visual & Yield" segment.

Market Positioning: "The Challenger" vs. "The Incumbent"

The fundamental difference lies in the price-to-length ratio. Basmati Rice 1509 is positioned as the smart buyer's upgrade—offering nearly identical (sometimes longer) grain length to 1121 but often trading at a discount. For traders tracking the 1509 Basmati Rice price, this variety typically offers a strategic advantage of $50–$100 PMT lower than 1121. Conversely, 1121 Basmati remains the benchmark for flavour retention and grain resilience, commanding the highest premium in export tenders.

Grain Profile: The Length Advantage

1509 Basmati Rice specification details are what drive the visual difference. The rice variety 1509 wins on raw length, often averaging 8.4mm, whereas 1121 averages 8.2mm. However, 1509 is slightly more delicate. For buyers where "plate coverage" and visual extravagance matter most (such as in large wedding catering), 1509 Basmati is often the victor.

Consumption Experience: Softness vs. Bite

1121 is renowned for its superior elongation and distinct "bite" that holds up well over long serving hours. 1509 Chawal (as it is colloquially known in domestic markets) cooks somewhat softer and fluffier. While it has massive elongation, it requires careful cooking to prevent breakage, making the 1509 Steam Rice and Sella variants highly preferred to maintain grain integrity.

Buyer Strategy: When to choose which?

It comes down to the end consumer. If 1509 Basmati Rice importers are supplying high-end luxury dining or heritage brands, they may still book 1121, but for buffet catering, mass-market retail private labels, or "XL Biryani" rice where volume is key, the competitive 1509 rice rate makes it the automatic, profit-maximising choice.

Types, Grades & Variants of 1509 Basmati Rice

By Processing Form

• 1509 Raw White Rice (Old/Vintage): This product is milled and polished directly from the paddy. In local markets where the 1509 chawal ka rate is tracked closely, the 1509 Raw rice is a popular option.
• 1509 Steam Basmati Rice: This is the most popular export variety. 1509 Steam Rice combines the whiteness of fresh rice with the durability of parboiled rice.

1509 Sella Rice (Parboiled) - Creamy vs. Golden:

• Creamy/White Sella: Highly popular in Middle Eastern and Persian markets. The grain is translucent and strong, perfect for heavy garnishing.
• Golden Sella: The paddy is steamed intensely to turn the grain amber/gold. This "hardened" grain is virtually unbreakable and is the top choice for bulk catering, Afghan Pulao, and industrial kitchens where overcooking is a risk.

By Quality Grade

Premium Export Grade (Sortex Cleaned, < 2% Broken): This is the highest tier, processed using advanced optical sorting (Sortex) to remove chalky grains (which can be common in 1509 Basmati). Every major 1509 Basmati Rice exporter in India focuses on this grade to ensure the product is visually flawless. With breakage capped below 2%—a key 1509 Basmati Rice specification—this grade is targeted at premium retail markets in the UAE, UK, and USA.

Standard Grade (Mixed/Blending): Often used in blends with shorter Basmati varieties (like Pusa 1121 blend) to lower costs while maintaining an "Extra Long" appearance on the package. This grade is attractive for domestic traders monitoring the 1509 Basmati rice rate today Delhi, as it balances visual appeal with an affordable 1509 rice price today.

Applications & End-Use Mapping - 1509 Basmati Rice

1509 Basmati Rice is used where plate presentation and volume yield matter just as much as flavour. It fits into culinary systems that require a "wow factor" on the plate while maintaining commercial profitability.

• High-volume commercial catering and banquets 1509 Basmati is the "Biryani Specialist" for large-scale events. It is a profit-maximiser for caterers because it yields more volume of cooked rice than almost any other variety. This high yield allows businesses to serve more plates per kilo of dry rice purchased, ensuring they get the best value relative to the 1509 Basmati rice price.
• Professional HORECA kitchens and speciality restaurants Chefs specialising in Hyderabadi and Sindhi cuisine prefer this 1509 variety of rice because it expands and absorbs rich spices effectively. It maintains long, separate grains even under heavy seasoning, a hallmark of premium quality in these dishes.
• Export markets and ethnic cuisine In regions like Saudi Arabia and Yemen, the Golden Sella variant of 1509 is a staple. Consequently, almost every major 1509 Basmati Rice exporter in India targets this specific demographic for Mandi and Kabsa dishes, where the visual length of the grain is critical to the dish's authenticity.
• Millers and value-added manufacturers Broken grades of 1509 Chawal (Tibar, Dubar, Mogra) are highly valued rather than discarded. They are used for affordable "Everyday Basmati" consumer pouches or processed into premium rice flour, ensuring that the full crop value is utilised regardless of the current 1509 rice rate.
• Retail branding and consumer packaging Packers use Basmati Rice 1509 to offer a "premium look" at a competitive price point. It bridges the gap between exclusive traditional Basmati and daily rice.

1509 Basmati Rice is chosen specifically for how it looks and its ability to expand. It is an extra-long grain rice chosen because it works efficiently for businesses selling rice by the plate, balancing visual luxury with high yield.

Global Supply & Demand Geography

Producing Regions

• India: It is the main producer of the '1509' basmati rice varieties in the specifically 'GI-tagged' regions of Punjab, Haryana, as well as Western Uttar Pradesh. It is due to the soil composition that gives it a distinct odor that makes the whole region the prime location for all main ‘1509 Basmati Rice’ exporters in India.
• Pakistan: Pakistan has also started growing the 1509 rice variety (under similar trade names) in the Punjab province, taking advantage of its earlier growing season to market the crop in international markets ahead of Indian shipments.

Major Import Markets

• Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE, Iraq): The major consumers, with consumption of Sella basmati rice or 1509 Steam Basmati Rice for making their staple meals.
• Europe (UK, Netherlands): High demand for brown rice and 1509 Steam Rice for strict satisfaction of the specification for 1509 Basmati Rice as regards 'clean' testing reports (compliance with pesticide tests) and the preference for long grains.
• North America: Emerging market for branded 1509 Basmati Rice in ethnic food stores, mostly as a luxurious daily-use rice variety.

The Seasonal Advantage

1509 Basmati Rice is an early-maturing crop. It is harvested in September/October, almost a month before traditional Basmati and 1121. This allows businesses to export 1509 Basmati Rice as 'New Crop' stocks to international markets earlier, filling the supply gap when old stocks run low.

During this period, domestic traders closely monitor the 1509 basmati rice rate today Delhi as farmers bring their fresh 1509 chawal to the mandis. This early arrival often establishes the benchmark 1509 rice price and influences the global 1509 rice price today for the rest of the season.

Global Market Overview: Basmati Trade Dynamics

Current Market Size

The global Basmati rice market is a multi-billion-dollar niche. While it represents a small percentage of total rice volume, it accounts for a disproportionately high share of value.

Key Demand Drivers

• Aesthetics over Aroma: Modern consumers in non-traditional markets (like the US and EU) increasingly prioritise grain length and fluffiness over intense aroma. 1509 caters perfectly to this "visual" preference.
• Food Inflation: As 1121 prices spike due to demand, importers switch to 1509 to keep shelf prices stable without sacrificing the "Long Grain Basmati" label.

Export & Import Trend Analysis

Volume Trends

The volume of trade to import 1509 Basmati Rice has seen a steady upward trajectory. Initially introduced as a farmer-friendly crop due to lower water usage and faster growth, it has now gained acceptance among millers and exporters who have learned how to process it to minimise breakage.

Price Dynamics

• Indicative 1509 Bulk Export Price: USD 950 - 1150 per metric tonne (FOB) depending on the variant (Steam/Sella).
• The Discount Factor: 1509 typically trades at a discount to 1121. When this gap widens, demand for 1509 surges as buyers substitute.

Price & Cost Indicators: 1509 BASMATI RICE

Indicative Bulk Price Range Current market indicators for the 2025-2026 Crop.

• Unit: Metric Ton (MT) for Export; Kilogram (kg) for Domestic.
• Packing: Basis 50kg PP Bags. (Add ~$25/MT for Non-Woven/Jute bags).

Export Price Trend (Short Term)

• Trend: Stable to Softening
• Insight: Prices have stabilised following the peak arrivals of the fresh harvest (Nov 2025 – Jan 2026). The market is currently "Buyer's Friendly" as ample supply from Haryana and UP prevents sharp price hikes.
• Spread: 1509 continues to trade at a discount of roughly $150 - $200 USD/MT compared to the premium 1121 Basmati, making it the preferred volume driver for Middle Eastern catering markets.

Mandatory Disclaimer:

Prices listed above are indicative market averages for Standard Sortex Quality (Avg Length 8.35mm+) as of mid-January 2026. Actual final pricing will vary based on:

• Broken %: (Standard is < 2%; higher broken % reduces price).
• Compliance: (EU/USA Pesticide Residue Free norms command a $100+ premium).
• Payment Terms: (LC / Advance / DA).
• Logistics: (Ocean Freight volatility).

HSN Code & Tax Classification

• HS Code: 1006.30.20 (Basmati Rice).
• Clearance: It is essential that the variety is certified as Basmati to benefit from the right duty rates to import into foreign countries (for example, zero duty quotas within the EU for particular brown rice varieties).

Why Buy 1509 Basmati Rice Through Tradologie?

• Built for bulk trade, not listings: You don't scroll products. You post a real requirement (e.g., "100 MT 1509 Steam Basmati") and suppliers respond to it.
• Direct access to verified millers: You deal directly with verified 1509 Basmati Rice sellers and processors in India and Pakistan. Suppliers compete to sell 1509 Basmati Rice directly to you, with no broker layers.
• Live negotiation: Prices are negotiated in real-time.
• Specs stay front and centre: Grain length (8.3mm+), moisture, breakage—everything is aligned upfront.
• 360-degree Support: From quality inspection to logistics, Tradologie assists without interfering in your buyer-seller relationship.

Logistics, Packaging & Incoterms

Packaging Options

• Non-Woven/Jute Bags (5kg/10kg/20kg): The premium standard for Basmati retail, often with zippers and handles.
• BOPP Laminated Bags: For high-quality graphical branding.
• Master PP Bags: For bulk shipping of consumer packs.

Logistics

Basmati is sensitive to moisture and odours.

• Container Treatments: High-quality liners and silica gels are mandatory to prevent "container rain", which can ruin the premium grain during transit.
• Fumigation: Strict fumigation standards are applied to ensure the cargo remains pest-free.

Future Outlook & Opportunities - 1509 Basmati Rice

• Sustainability-led trade valuation While traditional Basmati relies on heritage, 1509 operates inside the emerging "Climate-Smart" economy. It appeals to a global trade base that increasingly values resource efficiency alongside grain quality.
• Shorter cycles keep supply moving 1509 matures in fewer days than older varieties. This is where 1509 creates an advantage—it saves substantial groundwater and frees up land faster, allowing for more efficient agricultural turnover and consistent supply availability.
• European markets are the new frontier With stricter pesticide controls (MRLs), the future demand lies in specific compliant belts. 1509 grown in these monitored regions is gaining traction in the EU, opening high-value doors that were previously closed for other varieties.
• Opportunities come from compliance 1509 benefits when buyers need to switch varieties to meet regulatory standards. As other grains struggle with MRL levels, 1509 offers a compliant alternative without sacrificing the Basmati characteristic.
• Sourcing matters more than just variety In a market sensitive to chemicals, exporters who source from specific "compliant belts" are the ones who secure the business. It is about the documented purity of the cultivation process and not just about the grain.

Disclaimer

All prices, specifications, and trade data are indicative and subject to change based on season, origin, compliance requirements, and logistics. Buyers and sellers should verify details prior to contracting.

Sources: APEDA, FOB, FAO Rice Market Monitor.