RRI-developed grain measures 9.66mm, affords increased yields; exporters see potential in premium rice markets
ISLAMABAD:
Scientists on the Rice Analysis Institute (RRI) have developed a brand new Basmati rice selection that includes the longest grain ever recorded in Pakistan, measuring 9.66mm, a growth anticipated to strengthen the nation’s place in premium rice markets.
“Sultan Tremendous Basmati, developed in 2025, has a grain size of 9.66mm, the longest up to now in Pakistan’s rice varietal spectrum,” Dr Usman Saleem, Senior Scientist on the RRI, Kala Shah Kaku, informed Wealth Pakistan.
He mentioned the cooked grain of Sultan Tremendous Basmati attains a size of as much as 20mm, a uncommon trait that enhances its attraction in worldwide markets. The variability additionally has a yield potential of as much as 77 maunds per acre, considerably increased than the common yield of round 45 maunds per acre achieved by current Basmati varieties.
Earlier, in 2023, the institute had developed Sona Tremendous Basmati, which held the document with a grain size of 9.5mm. Previous to that, Kainat Basmati was thought of the longest-grain selection in Pakistan, measuring 8.26mm. Nevertheless, scientists word that Kainat shouldn’t be a pure Basmati line, however fairly a effective rice selection with Basmati-like aroma. Dr Saleem mentioned the brand new selection possesses a robust and typical Basmati aroma together with superior cooking qualities. “It cooks evenly and maintains glorious grain elongation. Though it’s a barely late-sown selection, it matures across the identical time as different generally grown Basmati sorts,” he added. He mentioned the institute is at present engaged on three extra Basmati strains, expressing optimism that these can be launched within the subsequent two to 3 years.
Up to now, RRI has developed 33 high-yielding effective and coarse rice varieties, together with Basmati 385, Tremendous Basmati, Tremendous Gold and Chenab.
Rice exporters have welcomed the event, expressing hope that the brand new selection would assist Pakistan improve its presence in worldwide markets. “Further-long grain rice is very wanted globally. Nevertheless, for export success, the variability should be adopted shortly by farmers,” mentioned Taufiq Ahmad Khan, former senior vice chairman of REAP.
