CHANDIGARH, 22 April 2025: India's rich agricultural heritage boasts a plethora of rice varieties, each with distinct characteristics and flavors. Among these, certain premium varieties command higher prices due to factors such as grain quality, aroma, cultivation challenges, and regional demand.
Here's an exploration of the top 10 most expensive rice varieties in India, their cost per kilogram, reasons for their premium pricing, and the states where they are predominantly cultivated.
1. Traditional Basmati Rice
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Price: Approximately ₹200 to ₹300 per kilogram.
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Cultivating States: Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
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Why So Expensive: Traditional Basmati rice is renowned for its long, slender grains and distinctive aroma. The meticulous cultivation process, which includes specific climatic conditions and aging, enhances its flavor and texture, leading to higher prices.
2. 1121 Basmati Rice
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Price: Approximately ₹150 to ₹250 per kilogram.
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Cultivating States: Punjab, Haryana, and Western Uttar Pradesh.
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Why So Expensive: Known for its extra-long grain length, 1121 Basmati rice is highly sought after in both domestic and international markets. Its elongation and fluffiness upon cooking make it ideal for premium dishes like biryani. The combination of high demand and superior qualities contributes to its elevated price.
3. Sharbati Rice
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Price: Approximately ₹100 to ₹150 per kilogram.
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Cultivating States: Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.
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Why So Expensive: Sharbati rice is often considered the "common man's Basmati" due to its similar aromatic qualities and long grains. While more affordable than traditional Basmati, its pleasant aroma and taste still command a premium over other non-Basmati varieties.
4. Sugandha Rice
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Price: Approximately ₹120 to ₹180 per kilogram.
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Cultivating States: Haryana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.
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Why So Expensive: Sugandha rice is appreciated for its aromatic fragrance and long grains. It serves as a cost-effective alternative to Basmati, yet its cultivation requires specific conditions, and the processing methods add to its cost.
5. Sona Masoori Rice
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Price: Approximately ₹80 to ₹120 per kilogram.
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Cultivating States: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.
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Why So Expensive: Sona Masoori is a lightweight and aromatic medium-grain rice. Its premium quality and demand in health-conscious markets, due to its low starch content, contribute to its higher price.
6. Indrayani Rice
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Price: Approximately ₹90 to ₹130 per kilogram.
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Cultivating State: Maharashtra.
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Why So Expensive: Indrayani rice is known for its unique aroma and sticky texture when cooked. Its cultivation is limited to specific regions, and the traditional farming methods used contribute to its premium pricing.
7. Ambemohar Rice
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Price: Approximately ₹100 to ₹140 per kilogram.
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Cultivating State: Maharashtra.
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Why So Expensive: Ambemohar, meaning "mango blossom," is named for its distinctive aroma reminiscent of mango blossoms. The grain is short and cooks quickly, making it a favorite for festive dishes. Limited cultivation areas and unique fragrance contribute to its higher cost.
8. Mahi Sugandha Rice
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Price: Approximately ₹110 to ₹160 per kilogram.
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Cultivating States: Punjab and Haryana.
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Why So Expensive: Mahi Sugandha is valued for its pleasant aroma and long grains. It is often used as a substitute for Basmati rice in various dishes, and its cultivation requires specific agro-climatic conditions, leading to higher prices.
9. Kasturi Rice
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Price: Approximately ₹95 to ₹135 per kilogram.
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Cultivating States: West Bengal and Odisha.
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Why So Expensive: Kasturi rice is an aromatic variety with medium grains. Its distinctive fragrance and soft texture upon cooking make it desirable, and the limited regions of cultivation add to its cost.
10. Pusa Basmati Rice
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Price: Approximately ₹130 to ₹180 per kilogram.
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Cultivating States: Punjab, Haryana, and Delhi.
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Why So Expensive: Pusa Basmati is a hybrid variety developed for higher yield and disease resistance while retaining the aromatic qualities of traditional Basmati. Its improved characteristics and demand in both domestic and international markets contribute to its premium pricing.
The premium pricing of these rice varieties is influenced by factors such as unique aroma, grain length, cultivation challenges, and regional demand.
