High Yielding Paddy Variety: Pusa Basmati 1121
30 May 2026, New Delhi: Pusa Basmati 1121 is one of the most iconic and commercially significant high yielding paddy varieties ever developed in India. Released by the Delhi State as Pusa 1121 (Pusa Sugandh 4) in 2003 and notified nationally as Pusa Basmati 1121 in 2008, this variety revolutionised the Basmati rice trade and placed India firmly on the global premium rice map. It is recommended for Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Western UP, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir.
The World’s Longest-Grain Basmati Rice
Pusa Basmati 1121 is globally renowned for its extraordinarily long kernel length. The cooked kernel elongation ratio is exceptionally high, ranging from 2.0 to 2.5, meaning the cooked grain is more than twice the length of the raw grain. This unique characteristic made it the most sought-after Basmati variety in international markets, particularly in the Middle East, Europe, and North America. The variety is photo-insensitive with intermediate amylose content (~22%), an alkali spreading value of 7.0, and a captivating strong aroma.
Agronomic Profile
Pusa Basmati 1121 matures from seed to seed in approximately 145 days and achieves an average yield of 4.5 t/ha (19–20 quintals per acre) — nearly double the yield of traditional tall Basmati varieties. It requires comparatively less water than traditional Basmati varieties and matures earlier, contributing to water savings and better resource management.
Quick Reference Table
| Parameter | Details |
| Variety Name | Pusa Basmati 1121 |
| Also Known As | Pusa 1121, Pusa Sugandh 4 |
| Developed By | ICAR-IARI, New Delhi |
| Year of Release | 2003 (Delhi State); 2008 (National) |
| Yield | 4.5 t/ha (19–20 q/acre) |
| Days to Maturity | 145 days (seed to seed) |
| Photo-Sensitivity | Photo-insensitive |
| Grain Type | Extra-Long Slender |
| Kernel Elongation Ratio | 2.0–2.5 (Exceptional) |
| Amylose Content | ~22% (Intermediate) |
| Alkali Spreading Value | 7.0 |
| Aroma | Strong |
| Recommended States | Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Western UP, Uttarakhand, J&K |
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