Basmati rice is mostly grown in the
traditional areas of north and north western part of Indian
sub-continent for many centuries. The super-fine best quality of Basmati
rice is produced on either side of Indus valley in India.
The main states growing Basmati Rice in India are:
- Haryana
- Uttar Pradesh
- Punjab
- Jammu & Kashmir
- Himachal Pradesh
- Rajasthan
The total area presently under cultivation of Basmati rice is about
7,76,000 hectares in India and its production was about 11,96,000 tonnes
during 1998-99. There is a substantial increase of Basmati in
traditional Basmati growing areas. The largest area under Basmati rice
is in the State of Haryana (60%). The best quality Basmati rice comes
from the old Karnal district, known as the 'rice bowl of India'. Basmati
is now grown in Karnal, Panipat, Kaithal, Kurukshetra and Ambala
districts of Haryana. Next followed by Uttar Pradesh (17.1%) and Punjab
(16.1%). During 1998-99, the State of Haryana contributed nearly 55% of
the total Basmati rice production in the country followed by Uttar
Pradesh at 23.5% and Punjab at 12.4%. The productivity of Basmati rice
ranges from 15 to 18 Quintals/Hectare.
