India is home to a stunning diversity of rice varieties, each shaped by unique climates, soils, and traditional farming practices. The Geographical Indication (GI) tag protects these treasures, ensuring authenticity and origin from specific regions. As of now, there are over 25 GI-tagged rice varieties in India, celebrated for their distinct aromas, textures, and nutritional values. These rices not only enrich local cuisines but also carry cultural significance, often tied to festivals and rituals.

Notable GI Tagged Rice Varieties

Let's explore some standout examples of India's GI-tagged rice varieties:

• Basmati Rice: Grown in the Indo-Gangetic plains across states like Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, this long-grain aromatic rice is world-famous for its fragrance and elongation when cooked. It's a staple in biryanis and pulaos.
• Pokkali Rice: From Kerala's coastal regions, this salt-tolerant variety thrives in brackish water and is known for its nutty flavor and high protein content. It's often used in traditional Kerala dishes and supports sustainable aquaculture.
• Kalanamak Rice: Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, this black-husked rice has a unique nutty aroma reminiscent of popcorn. Rich in antioxidants and micronutrients, it's dubbed the "Buddha's Rice" for historical ties to ancient times.
• Gobindobhog Rice: A short-grain aromatic from West Bengal, prized for its buttery texture and used in sweets like payesh. It's integral to Bengali culture.
• Navara Rice: Kerala's medicinal red rice, valued in Ayurveda for its healing properties and quick cooking time.
• Joha Rice: From Assam, this winter rice offers a subtle aroma and is low in amylose, making it ideal for pilafs.

Other gems include Palakkadan Matta from Kerala, Mushqbudji from Jammu & Kashmir, and Kalonunia from West Bengal, each contributing to India's rich agricultural tapestry.

GI Tagged Rices Exported from India in Large Numbers

Among these, Basmati Rice stands out as the GI-tagged variety exported in massive quantities, dominating global markets with varieties like 1121 and 1509. India exports millions of tons annually, accounting for a significant share of the world's basmati trade, thanks to its premium quality and GI protection that ensures authenticity. While other GI rices like Kalanamak are gaining international interest, they are exported in smaller volumes compared to Basmati.

Basmati rice is the GI-tagged rice variety exported from India in the highest quantity and value by a significant margin, based on the latest available data for FY 2024-2025. It accounts for the majority of India's premium rice exports and is protected under GI status for its origin in specific regions like the Indo-Gangetic plains.

Key Export Statistics for Basmati Rice (GI-Tagged)

• Quantity: Approximately 6.065 million metric tons (MT) for FY 2024-2025, representing about 30% of India's total rice exports. This is an increase of around 15.7% from the previous year's 5.242 million MT.
• Value: Estimated at around USD 6.07 billion, up approximately USD 230 million from the previous year's USD 5.837 billion. This represents roughly 47% of India's total rice export value of USD 12.95 billion.

For comparison, India's total rice exports (including non-GI varieties) reached about 20.1 million MT valued at USD 12.95 billion in FY 2024-2025. Non-basmati rice (which includes some GI-tagged varieties but mostly generic types) made up the rest, with over 14 million MT valued at around USD 5.6–6 billion.