Pusa Basmati 1121 and Pusa Basmati 1509 are two high-yielding Basmati rice varieties developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI). These varieties have significantly influenced rice production, trade, and farmers' income in India and globally. This analysis examines their impact on productivity, economics, sustainability, and the rice export market.
1.1 Pusa Basmati 1121
This variety is recommended for the Basmati growing areas Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Western UP, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir
Salient Feature
- This variety possess unique Basmati quality characters namely, extra-long slender, highly aromatic grains.
- It has longest kernel length after cooking with an exceptionally high cooked kernel elongation ration.
- It has seed to seed maturity of 145 days with an average yield of 4.5 t/ha.
1.2 Pusa Basmati 1509
This Basmati variety is growing areas Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Western UP, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir
Salient Feature
- This variety overcomes all major weaknesses of Pusa Basmati 1121.
- It matures in 115 days with an average yield of 5 tons/ ha and possesses non-lodging and non-shattering habit.
- On account of being early it saves 6 irrigations.
| Variety |
Year of Release |
Average Yield (Tons/Ha) |
Maturity Duration (Days) |
| Traditional Basmati |
Pre-2003 |
2.5 – 3.5
|
150-160 |
| Pusa Basmati 1121 |
2003 |
4.0 – 5.0
|
135-145 |
| Pusa Basmati 1509 |
2013 |
5.0 – 6.0
|
90-110 |
Pusa 1121 increased yield by 40–60% over traditional varieties.
Pusa 1509 increased yield by 70–100% compared to traditional varieties.
Area under Basmati Cultivation: In 2023, 61 lakh hectares (varies annually) in six states Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh (APEDA report)
Adoption Rate:
Pusa 1121: Covers almost 70% of Basmati area (43 lakh hectares).
Pusa 1509: Covers almost 20% of Basmati area (12 lakh hectares).
Remaining 10% under traditional and other varieties.
Scenario 1: Without Pusa 1121 & 1509 (Traditional Yield Assumption)
Using 3.0 tons/ha as the estimated yield for traditional varieties:
Total Basmati Production = 61L ha × 3.0 tons/ha = 183lakh tons
Scenario 2: With Pusa 1121 & 1509
Pusa 1121 Contribution: 43L ha × 4.5 tons/ha = 194 lakh tons
Pusa 1509 Contribution: 12L ha × 5.5 tons/ha = 66lakh tons
Other Varieties (10% area): 5L ha × 3.0 tons/ha = 15 lakh tons
Total Current Basmati Production = 275 lakh tons
3. Net Increase in Production
Production Increase = 92 lakh tons
% Increase = % higher production
2. Economic Impact on Farmers
Higher Market Price: 1121 fetches a premium price due to its superior grain length and cooking quality, while 1509, though lower in price, gives higher returns per hectare due to early harvesting and reduced costs.
Lower Input Costs: 1509 requires less water (20-25% lower), making it more economical in regions facing water scarcity.
Income Stability: Adoption of these varieties has led to higher profit margins, encouraging more farmers to shift from traditional Basmati varieties.
Result: Farmers earn better incomes, with 1121 being profitable due to its export demand and 1509 due to cost efficiency.
3. Impact on Export Market
Pusa Basmati 1121 constitutes over a significant portion of total Basmati exports. Export of these varieties contributes significantly to India's GDP.
| Year |
Export (Billion RS.) |
Year |
Export (Billion RS.) |
| 2013-2014 |
293 |
2019-2020 |
310 |
| 2014-2015 |
276 |
2020-2021 |
298 |
| 2015-2016 |
227 |
2021-2022 |
264 |
| 2016-2017 |
215 |
2022-2023 |
385 |
| 2017-2018 |
269 |
2023-2024 |
484 |
| 2018-2019 |
328 |
2024-2025 (Apr-Nov) |
315 |
