High Yielding Paddy Variety: Pusa Basmati 1885
30 May 2026, New Delhi: Pusa Basmati 1885 is a scientifically advanced, high yielding paddy variety developed through Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) at ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. It is a near isogenic line (NIL) derived from the celebrated Pusa Basmati 1121, one of the most popular Basmati rice varieties in India and a global benchmark for extra-long grain Basmati. Pusa Basmati 1885 retains all the premium grain characteristics of Pusa Basmati 1121 and adds robust inbuilt resistance to bacterial blight and blast diseases. It is recommended for the Basmati GI growing regions of Delhi, Punjab, and Haryana.
Disease Resistance Through Molecular Breeding
Pusa Basmati 1885 has been developed by introgressing four disease resistance genes into the genetic background of Pusa Basmati 1121. These include two genes for bacterial blight resistance — xa13 and Xa21 — and two genes for blast resistance — Pi54 and Pi2. This pyramid of resistance genes makes the variety highly durable against disease pressure in the field. Farmers can significantly cut down on expensive and environmentally harmful chemical sprays, resulting in lower input costs and a more sustainable crop.
Agronomic Profile and Yield
Pusa Basmati 1885 is a semi-dwarf, non-lodging, high yielding Basmati rice variety that matures from seed to seed in 140 days. Nursery sowing is recommended from June 1 to June 15, with the crop maturing between October 20 and November 5. The variety has a plant height of 95 cm and an average yield of 4.68 t/ha. The grains are extra-long slender (7.95 mm), elongating to 16.52 mm on cooking, with intermediate amylose content (21.76%), very occasional grain chalkiness, and strong aroma.
Quick Reference Table
| Parameter | Details |
| Variety Name | Pusa Basmati 1885 |
| Type | MAS-derived NIL of Pusa Basmati 1121 |
| Developed By | ICAR-IARI, New Delhi |
| Yield | 4.68 t/ha |
| Plant Height | 95 cm |
| Sowing Date | June 1 to June 15 |
| Maturity Date | October 20 to November 5 |
| Days to Maturity | 140 days (seed to seed) |
| Bacterial Blight Resistance Genes | xa13, Xa21 |
| Blast Resistance Genes | Pi54, Pi2 |
| Kernel Length (Before Cooking) | 7.95 mm |
| Kernel Length (After Cooking) | 16.52 mm |
| Amylose Content | 21.76% (Intermediate) |
| Grain Chalkiness | Very Occasional |
| Aroma | Strong |
| Recommended States | Delhi, Punjab, Haryana |
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