1121 Basmati vs Pusa Basmati — Grain, Aroma, Price & Best Markets
July 2026 · 7 min read · By TRION EXIM LLP Trade Desk
The two most-exported Indian basmati varieties are 1121 and Pusa. Both are genuine, APEDA-recognised basmati — but they differ in grain length, price, and which markets prefer them. If you're an importer choosing what to stock, here is the clear 1121 vs Pusa Basmati comparison.
Quick Answer
1121 Basmati = the longest grain in the world, premium price, top demand in the Gulf and Iran for biryani. Pusa Basmati = slightly shorter grain, classic aroma, higher yield, and lower price — the value choice for retail and private label. Both are real basmati; the pick depends on your price point and market.
1121 vs Pusa — Side by Side
| Attribute | 1121 Basmati | Pusa Basmati |
|---|---|---|
| Raw grain length | 8.3mm+ (longest) | ~7.5–8.0mm |
| Cooked elongation | Up to ~2.5× | High |
| Aroma | Strong | Classic, strong |
| Price (FOB) | Premium ($950–1,200/MT) | Value ($800–1,000/MT) |
| Top markets | Gulf, Iran, Iraq (biryani) | Value retail, private label |
| Forms | Sella, Golden Sella, Steam, Raw | Sella, Steam, Raw |
Choose 1121 When…
Your market pays for premium grain: Gulf and Iranian biryani/mandi trade, premium retail, HORECA, and any buyer who markets on "extra-long grain." 1121 Sella is the flagship export grade.
Choose Pusa When…
Price sensitivity or private-label volume drives the deal: value retail packs, institutional supply, and markets that want genuine basmati aroma at a lower shelf price. Pusa's higher yield keeps it competitively priced.
Buyer Tip
Many importers stock both — 1121 as the premium line and Pusa as the value line — to cover the full price spectrum from one supplier. TRION EXIM LLP supplies both, plus non-basmati grades. See the rice exporter page, the UAE basmati guide, and non-basmati guide.
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