Scientists at the Rice Research Institute (RRI) have developed a new Basmati rice variety featuring the longest grain ever recorded in Pakistan, measuring 9.66mm.
“Sultan Super Basmati, developed in 2025, has a grain length of 9.66mm, the longest so far in Pakistan’s rice varietal spectrum,” Dr Usman Saleem, Senior Scientist at the RRI, Kala Shah Kaku, told Wealth Pakistan.
He said the cooked grain of Sultan Super Basmati attains a length of up to 20mm, a rare trait that enhances its appeal in international markets.
Earlier, in 2023, the institute had developed Sona Super Basmati, which held the record with a grain length of 9.5mm. Prior to that, Kainat Basmati was considered the longest-grain variety in Pakistan, measuring 8.26mm. However, scientists note that Kainat is not a pure Basmati line but rather a fine rice variety with Basmati-like aroma.
Sultan Super Basmati has a yield potential of up to 77 maunds per acre, significantly higher than the average yield of around 45 maunds per acre achieved by existing varieties.
Dr Saleem said the new variety possesses a strong and typical Basmati aroma and superior cooking qualities. “It cooks evenly and maintains excellent grain elongation. Although it is a slightly late-sown variety, it matures around the same time as other commonly grown Basmati types,” he added.
He said the institute is currently working on three additional Basmati lines, expressing optimism that these would be released within the next two to three years.
Established as a rice farm by the British government in 1926, the RRI was upgraded to a full-fledged research institute in the 1970s. To date, it has developed 33 high-yielding fine and coarse rice varieties, including Basmati 385, Super Basmati, Super Gold, and Chenab.
Rice exporters have welcomed the development, expressing hope that the new variety would help Pakistan enhance its presence in international markets.
“Extra-long grain rice is highly sought after globally. However, for export success, the variety must be adopted quickly by farmers to ensure adequate exportable surplus,” said Taufiq Ahmad Khan, former senior vice chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP).
Talking to Wealth Pakistan, he noted that the research institute and the government were working in tandem to fully capitalize on the potential of the new variety. He stressed that the grain must remain resilient during milling, as breakage during processing can negatively impact market perception.
“Pakistani rice enjoys strong demand worldwide for its aroma, grain length, and cooking quality. While Basmati dominates premium markets, non-Basmati varieties also have strong demand across Africa, the Middle East and other regions,” he added.
Khan emphasized the need to diversify export destinations beyond traditional markets, noting that Pakistan is increasingly targeting African countries through trade outreach and promotional activities.