There are many varieties of Basmati
rice in India. But, it is difficult to identify the original ones.
Presently, a lot of the rice packed and sold in some parts of the
country is called basmati, although it is well known that not all of
these varieties is basmati. In the absence of legal recognition of
definition of basmati varieties, however, there is very little that can
be done to end this practice. There are few varieties which fulfill the
quality norms of real Basmati rice. There are some other varieties of
aromatic rice grown in different parts of India which are consumed as
Basmati Rice. These rices are classified according to the grain size.
The traditional varieties are recognized according to the seeds used
for production of Basmati rice. The seeds in turn, have to conform to
various standards of genetic purity as prescribed under the provisions
of the Seeds Act 1966. All varieties other than the ones listed below
are not traditional varieties, but hybrid varieties.
