Pakistan Rice Varieties: Side-by-Side Buyer's Comparison
All six Pakistan export rice varieties in one table. Grain length, processing types, FOB range, and typical destination markets. Pick the right variety for your import program before you send an RFQ.
Pakistan exports six main rice varieties: three basmati (1121, Super Kernel, D98) and three non-basmati (PK386, IRRI-6, IRRI-9). Basmati grain range is 6.8 to 8.3 mm; 1121 sits at the top of that range at 8.3 mm raw and over 22 mm cooked. D98 anchors the lower basmati bound at 6.8 mm. Non-basmati varieties range 6.0 to 6.8 mm. PK386 is a fragrant non-basmati, not a basmati. D98 is grown in Sindh only; PK386 is grown in Punjab only. This page compares grain parameters, processing types, price ranges, and destination markets side by side. Updated April 24, 2026.
All Six Varieties at a Glance
| Variety | Category | Grain (raw) | Grown In | Processing | FOB Range (USD/MT) — Indicative | Top Markets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1121 Basmati Rice | Premium Basmati | 8.30mm | Punjab | White, Sella (Parboiled), Steam | $1095-$1240 | UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iraq |
| Super Kernel Basmati Rice | Premium Basmati | 7.50mm | Punjab | White | $965-$1005 | UAE, Saudi Arabia, UK |
| D98 Basmati Rice | Economy Basmati | 6.80mm | Sindh | White | $980-$1020 | Middle East, Africa |
| PK386 Rice | Fragrant Non-Basmati | 6.80mm | Punjab | White, Sella (Parboiled) | $695-$800 | Iraq, Afghanistan, Kenya |
| IRRI-6 Long Grain Rice | Non-Basmati Long Grain | 6.00mm | Sindh | White, Parboiled | $325-$393 | Kenya, Tanzania, Ivory Coast |
| IRRI-9 Rice | Non-Basmati Long Grain | 6.80mm | Sindh | White, Parboiled | $610-$645 | UAE, Iraq, Kenya |
All FOB ranges are indicative. Updated April 24, 2026. Grain lengths are typical raw values; tested per shipment on the pre-shipment inspection certificate. Confirmed quotes are issued by our export desk on request, valid 48 hours. See full price list with sub-grades.
1121 vs Super Kernel vs D98
Three basmati varieties covering the full 6.8 to 8.3 mm grain range.
| Parameter | 1121 Basmati | Super Kernel | D98 Basmati |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grain length (raw) | 8.30 mm | 7.50 mm | 6.80 mm |
| Cooked length | 22 mm+ | 18-19 mm | 14-15 mm |
| Region | Punjab | Punjab | Sindh only |
| Aroma profile | Classic basmati aroma, strong | Classic basmati aroma | Lighter basmati aroma |
| Cooking texture | Non-sticky, highly elongating | Non-sticky | Non-sticky, softer |
| Typical markets | GCC, UK, EU, USA | GCC, UK, USA | GCC, Iran, CIS |
| Best for | Premium retail, HORECA | Mid-premium retail | Value basmati segment |
| Page | 1121 basmati | Super Kernel | D98 |
PK386 vs IRRI-6 vs IRRI-9
Three long-grain non-basmati varieties covering fragrant, long, and medium grain profiles.
| Parameter | PK386 | IRRI-6 | IRRI-9 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Fragrant non-basmati | Long grain non-basmati | Medium grain non-basmati |
| Region | Punjab only | Sindh, Punjab | Punjab |
| Aroma | Fragrant | Neutral | Neutral |
| Processing types | White, sella, steam, red, old | White, parboiled, 5/10/15/25/100% broken, brown | White, sella |
| Typical markets | Africa, GCC, Europe | East/West Africa, Madagascar | GCC, Africa |
| Best for | Mid-tier aromatic blend | Volume African market | GCC everyday rice |
| Page | PK386 | IRRI-6 | IRRI-9 |
Senegal, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon import parboiled IRRI-6. 100% broken rice is imported by Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau.
Variety Comparison: FAQ
1121 Basmati is the largest-volume basmati export, especially to GCC and Europe. PK386 is the largest fragrant non-basmati export, mostly to Africa and GCC. IRRI-6 is the largest long-grain non-basmati export, especially to East and West Africa. Your best choice depends on destination and price point.
Basmati family: 6.8 mm (D98) to 8.3 mm (1121) raw grain length. Non-basmati family: 6.0 to 6.8 mm. After cooking, 1121 basmati expands to over 22 mm. Grain length is measured and certified on every pre-shipment inspection report.
No. PK386 is a fragrant non-basmati. It has aroma and long-grain characteristics but does not meet basmati family standards. PK386 is often mistaken for basmati because of its aroma, but it is priced and sold as a premium non-basmati.
IRRI-6 and IRRI-9 are the lowest-priced varieties, suitable for volume-driven markets in East and West Africa. 100% broken IRRI-6 parboiled is lower still and is imported by Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Senegal, and Guinea-Bissau. For current pricing see our prices page.
GCC buyers typically blend 1121 Basmati (sella or steam) for premium positioning and PK386 for mid-tier. Saudi Arabia and Iraq favour 1121 sella. UAE takes 1121 steam and Super Kernel. Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain follow UAE preferences.
PK386 and IRRI-6 are the volume anchors. Senegal, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon import parboiled IRRI-6. Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau import 100% broken. Kenya and Tanzania import white IRRI-6 and PK386 for the retail and HORECA channels.
1121 Basmati White and Super Kernel Basmati White with EU MRL-compliant pesticide screening. Sold in 5 kg and 10 kg printed PP with inner poly liner for retail. See our EU market page and UK market page.
Yes, subject to minimum pallet or row quantities per variety. We split 20' FCLs into blocks by bag size and variety on request. Contact the export desk with your blend plan for pricing and bag-count math.
Picked a Variety? Request a Quote Now.
One 20' FCL minimum. Blends allowed. L/C at sight or T/T 30/70. Confirmed proforma within 24 business hours.