Basmati rice is one of the popular varieties of rice found in Asia, especially in India and Pakistan. The word “Basmati” means fragrant in Hindi language, which is why people often refer to it as fragrant rice. The long-grain rice is known for its subtle aroma and unique nutty flavor. Improved varieties of Basmati are the result of years of effort and research to enhance the quality and yield of this popular rice.
Improved varieties of Basmati are the result of crossing traditional Basmati seeds with modern high-yield varieties. These new varieties, with the same taste and aroma, have higher yields, better disease resistance, and improved cooking quality. Scientists have spent years developing these improved varieties to ensure they perform well under different growing conditions and provide the highest possible yield.
One of the most popular improved varieties of Basmati is Pusa Basmati-1, which was developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in Delhi. The rice has a yield of up to 4 tons per hectare and matures in 130 days. It has excellent grain quality and is resistant to major pests and diseases.
Pusa Basmati-1121 is another popular variety of Basmati rice that has gained immense popularity in India and other countries. It has extra-long grains, which can extend up to 8.4 mm, and a high yield of up to 5 tons per hectare. The rice has a distinct aroma, delicate flavor, and is perfect for biryanis, pulaos, and other exotic dishes.
There are many other varieties of Basmati rice available in the market today, such as Taraori Basmati, PB2, Pusa Sugandh-2, and more. Each of these varieties offers unique advantages, such as excellent taste, high yield, and disease resistance. Farmers and consumers around the world are gradually adopting these improved varieties of Basmati to meet the growing demand for high-quality rice.
In conclusion, improved varieties of Basmati rice have revolutionized the rice industry by providing a better quality product that is more productive, disease-resistant, and better adapted to varying climate conditions. The development of these varieties has ensured that farmers can produce rice with higher yields and better quality while meeting the demand for this exotic, fragrant rice around the world.