How Many Types of Rice in India? Complete Guide
India is home to one of the world’s largest and most diverse rice ecosystems. From aromatic Basmati to nutrient-rich red rice and high-yield parboiled varieties, the country grows 40+ major types of rice and thousands of local sub-varieties. This rich diversity comes from India’s varied climate, fertile soil, and regional food cultures.
In addition, the country is not just a major producer but also the largest rice exporter globally. With the rising global demand for premium aromatic and parboiled varieties, the market for rice export from India continues to expand rapidly.
This comprehensive guide explains how many types of rice in India, their categories, regional availability, culinary uses, and export potential. Additionally, it offers insights for importers and exporters looking to source premium-quality rice varieties in 2025.
How Many Types of Rice in India?
India produces 5 major categories of rice, each with multiple sub-varieties:
- Basmati Rice
- Non-Basmati Long Grain Rice
- Medium Grain Rice
- Short Grain Rice
- Parboiled & Steam Rice
Across these categories, different grain qualities, aroma levels, and textures make each variety suitable for different markets and cuisines. Consequently, rice varieties in India remain highly diverse and globally consumed.
Major Categories of Rice Varieties in India
Basmati rice is India’s most esteemed long-grain aromatic variety, recognised for its fragrance, length, and export value. Moreover, it remains one of the most popular types of rice in India as well as the Gulf region.
1. Types of Basmati Rice in India
Basmati rice is India’s most prestigious long-grain aromatic rice, known for its fragrance, length, and export value.
In addition, Basmati remains India’s most recognized aromatic long-grain rice, valued for its fragrance, cooking length, and strong export demand.
Furthermore, this premium rice category significantly contributes to India’s ranking among the top 10 rice exporters in India.
Popular Basmati Rice Varieties:
- 1121 Basmati Rice – Extra-long grains, ideal for premium biryani.
- 1509 Basmati Rice – High yield, fluffy grains, widely exported.
- 1718 Basmati Rice – Strong aroma, excellent visual appeal.
- Pusa Basmati Rice – Light, fragrant, preferred by restaurants.
- 1401 Basmati Rice – Good cooking length and aroma at competitive pricing.
- Sharbati Basmati Rice – Affordable alternative with mild fragrance.
- Traditional Basmati Rice – Classic short fragrance, premium category.
Regions Where It Is Grown:
Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Western UP, Himachal Pradesh.
Export Preference:
Highly demanded in the Middle East, EU, US, and premium retail chains.
2. Non Basmati Rice Varieties in India
Non-Basmati rice varieties contribute to India’s largest export volumes. They are affordable, widely produced, and used for everyday cooking across India.
Most Popular Non-Basmati Rice in India:
- IR 64 Raw & Parboiled Rice – High demand in Africa and the Middle East.
- Swarna Rice – Widely consumed in Eastern India.
- Sona Masoori Rice – Light, aromatic medium-grain from South India.
- Ponni Rice – Famous in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka; perfect for idli/dosa.
- PR 11 / PR 14 – Long-grain daily-use rice.
- Kolam Rice – Popular in Maharashtra and Gujarat.
- Jeera Samba Rice – Small grain, aromatic, perfect for biryani variations.
- Gobindobhog Rice – Bengali short-grain aromatic rice.
- Matta (Kerala Red) Rice – High in fiber and minerals.
- Black Rice – Premium antioxidant-rich rice.
- Red Rice – Nutritious whole grain.
Regions Where They Are Grown:
Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, and Karnataka.
Export Markets:
Africa, Southeast Asia, Bangladesh, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Europe.
Consequently, these rice varieties form the backbone of both domestic consumption and bulk international shipments.
3. Parboiled and Steam Rice Types
Parboiled rice undergoes a soaking and steaming process, which preserves nutrients while giving the grains a firm and non-sticky texture.
Popular Parboiled Rice in India
- IR 64 Parboiled Rice
- Sona Masoori Parboiled Rice
- Swarna Parboiled Rice
- Parmal 26/44 Parboiled Rice
- 100% Broken Parboiled Rice
Export Demand:
Middle East, Africa, Europe.
As a result, this rice category is in extremely high demand in Africa, Bangladesh, and the Gulf.
4. Broken Rice Varieties
India exports millions of tons of broken rice annually because of its low cost and versatility.
Types of Broken Rice:
- 100% Broken White Rice – Used in breweries and feed industries.
- 100% Broken Parboiled Rice – Affordable and widely consumed in Africa.
- 50% Broken Rice – Used for rice flour, noodles, and porridge.
Export Demand:
Middle East, Africa, South East Asia.
Additionally, Broken rice also plays a major role in food manufacturing industries worldwide.
5. Regional Specialty Rice Types
India’s states produce several heritage and GI-tagged rice varieties.
Top Regional Rice Varieties:
- Assam Joha Rice – Fragrant medium grain.
- Kerala Matta Rice – Rich in minerals and fiber.
- Gobindobhog Rice (West Bengal) – Premium short-grain for sweets.
- Rajmudi Rice (Karnataka) – Nutritious whole-grain rice.
- Ponni Rice (Tamil Nadu) – Staple for South Indian dishes.
Further, These regional varieties attract both domestic and global consumers because of their unique taste and nutritional properties.
Top 10 Most Popular Rice in India (2025-26 List)
Below are the ten most popular and widely consumed rice varieties in India. Each type includes its origin, key features, and ideal uses to help buyers, wholesalers, and exporters choose the right variety.
1. 1121 Basmati Rice
1121 Basmati is India’s most premium long-grain basmati rice, known for its extra-long grain length (8.2 mm+), aroma, and superior cooking quality.
Origin States: Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand
Best For: Biryani, pulao, premium retail packs, high-value export markets in the Middle East and Europe.
2. 1509 Basmati Rice
1509 Basmati is lightweight, aromatic, and cooks faster than 1121.
Origin States: Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh
Best For: Daily basmati consumption, catering and hotels, export to GCC countries.
3. IR 64 Parboiled Rice
IR 64 is one of India’s highest-volume non-basmati varieties, known for being cost-effective and non-sticky.
Key Producing States: Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha
Best For: Exports to Africa, Bangladesh, Middle East, hotels, mess supply, bulk buyers.
4. Swarna Rice
Swarna is a medium-grain, budget-friendly rice appreciated for its versatility and yield.
Key Producing States: West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand
Best For: Daily meals, mid-range export orders, ration shops, rice mill supply.
5. Sona Masoori Rice
Sona Masoori is a soft, lightweight, mildly aromatic medium-grain rice.
Origin States: Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana
Best For: Idli, dosa, curd rice, South Indian dishes; strong retail demand in USA, UAE, Singapore.
6. Ponni Rice
Ponni Rice cooks soft and fluffy and is a staple in South Indian households.
Grown In: Tamil Nadu (Kaveri Delta region)
Best For: Daily meals, diabetic-friendly diets (low GI), export to Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka.
7. Jeera Samba Rice
Jeera Samba is a tiny, aromatic grain considered a premium regional specialty.
Key Producing States: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
Best For: South Indian biryani, chicken rice, fried rice, festive dishes.
8. Kolam Rice
Kolam is a short-grain, lightweight rice preferred for everyday home cooking.
Origin States: Maharashtra, Gujarat
Best For: Everyday meals, tiffin boxes, Gujarati & Maharashtrian cuisine.
9. Parmal (PR) Rice
Parmal or PR rice (PR-11, PR-14, PR-26, etc.) is affordable, versatile, and widely used.
Key Producing States: Punjab, Haryana
Best For: Bulk exports to Africa & Gulf, mid-range households, ration supply.
10. 100% Broken Rice
100% Broken Rice is an economical rice type with strong global demand.
Grown In: Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana
Best For: Breweries, starch production, animal feed, food processing, exports to Africa & China.
Further, these are considered the most popular rice in India, covering both domestic and export markets.
Indian Rice Names List
Below is a complete rice names list in India, categorized for easy understanding. This table helps buyers, exporters, and consumers identify the most popular rice varieties in India and their best uses.
| Category | Rice Varieties | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Basmati Rice | 1121, 1509, 1718, Pusa, 1401, Sharbati | Export, biryani |
| Non-Basmati Rice | IR 64, Swarna, PR 11/14, Kolam | Daily meals, export |
| Medium/Short Grain | Sona Masoori, Ponni, Jeera Samba | South Indian dishes |
| Specialty Rice | Gobindobhog, Black Rice, Red Rice | Health foods |
| Parboiled Rice | IR 64, Sona Masoori, Parmal, 100% Broken PB | Africa & Gulf markets |
| Broken Rice | 100% Broken White/ PB | Feed, breweries |
| Regional Rice | Joha, Matta, Rajmudi | Traditional dishes |
Moreover, this data helps international buyers compare Indian rice prices for export and plan bulk shipments.
Best Rice Export From India (2025-26 Insights)
India supplies rice to more than 150+ countries, making it a global leader in rice exports.
Most Exported Indian Rice Types:
- 1121 Basmati Rice
- 1509 Basmati Rice
- IR 64 Parboiled Rice
- Swarna Parboiled Rice
- 100% Broken Rice
- Sona Masoori Rice
- Ponni Rice
In addition, understanding major markets such as Africa, Middle East, and Asia allows exporters to target the right buyers. The UAE, in particular, is a major destination, and knowing the top 10 rice importers in Dubai helps manufacturers and traders achieve higher sales volumes.
Top Destinations for Indian Rice Exports
- UAE 🇦🇪
- Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦
- Oman 🇴🇲
- Qatar 🇶🇦
- Kuwait 🇰🇼
- Iran 🇮🇷
- Iraq 🇮🇶
- Benin 🇧🇯
- Togo 🇹🇬
- Ghana 🇬🇭
- Kenya 🇰🇪
- China 🇨🇳
Indian Rice Price for Export (2025 Price Guide)
Approx Export Prices (FOB India):
| Rice Type | Approx FOB Price |
|---|---|
| 1121 Basmati Steam | $1000–$1200/MT |
| 1509 Basmati Steam | $900–$1100/MT |
| IR 64 Parboiled | $400–$480/MT |
| Swarna Parboiled | $370–$450/MT |
| 100% Broken White Rice | $350–$400/MT |
This data helps international buyers compare Indian rice prices for export and plan bulk shipments. Additionally, here you can check the latest prices of all major Indian rice varieties, including Basmati, Non-Basmati, Parboiled, Broken, and specialty rice.
Moreover, this section is updated frequently to help buyers stay informed about current Indian rice prices for export.
Which Type of Rice Is Best for You?
Here are quick recommendations based on your needs:
For Households
- Sona Masoori
- Kolam
- Swarna
- Ponni
For Restaurants
- 1121 Basmati
- 1509 Basmati
- Jeera Samba
For Exporters
- 1121 Basmati
- IR 64 Parboiled
- 100% Broken Rice
For Health-Conscious Consumers
- Brown Rice
- Red Rice
- Black Rice
Why is Indian Rice in High Global Demand?
Indian rice varieties are preferred because:
- Affordable pricing
- Consistent grain quality
- Long grain length (especially Basmati)
- Suitable for bulk shipping
- Higher nutritional value in parboiled varieties
- Strong supply chain & milling capacity
As global consumption increases, the role of top rice exporters in India becomes crucial for maintaining supply consistency.
Why Choose Hind Gate General Trading LLC & Shah Enterprises for Indian Rice Supply?
Hind Gate General Trading LLC (UAE) and Shah Enterprises (India) form a trusted partnership for premium Indian rice exports. Moreover, this strong network ensures quality consistency, fair pricing, and fast delivery to global buyers.
Shah Enterprises handles procurement, milling, grading, and packaging in India. Meanwhile, Hind Gate manages logistics, export compliance, and smooth shipments to more than 40+ countries.
Why Buyers Prefer Hind Gate & Shah Enterprises?
Strict export-quality standards
Competitive wholesale rates
Quick shipping to GCC, Africa, and Asia
Flexible packaging solutions
Reliable bulk supply
Furthermore, buyers can easily source 1121 Basmati, 1509 Basmati, IR 64 Parboiled, Sona Masoori, Kolam, and 100% Broken Rice with guaranteed quality and timely delivery.
Final Thoughts
India’s rice diversity is unmatched globally, with thousands of varieties classified by grain length, aroma, texture, and regional availability. From aromatic basmati to cost-effective non-basmati, the types of rice in India offer something for every household, retailer, importer, and large-scale buyer.
Overall, understanding how many types of rice in India helps consumers make better choices and supports exporters in identifying high-demand markets.
If you need export-quality rice, market insights, or updated price lists, HindGate provides detailed resources to support both buyers and exporters.
Ready to source premium Indian rice or get the latest price updates? Contact Hind Gate today via email or WhatsApp for expert support and bulk order assistance.
Need a Reliable Partner to Export Rice From India?
PLooking to import Indian rice? Hind Gate supplies premium Basmati & Non-Basmati rice worldwide.