Basmati Rice Rousing Raves

Z.R. Agro Industries delivers the finest rice from fields to consumers’ tables. As a leading producer of both organic and conventional basmati and non-basmati varieties, the company provides exceptional quality through sustainable practices.

They also offer premium rice products, backed by rigorous quality control and eco-friendly processes. Trusted in over 50 countries, Z.R. Agro Industries supports local farmers while safeguarding the environment. Moreover, their award-winning performance blends global reliability with innovative, forward-thinking solutions.

By implementing eco-friendly farming techniques and expanding operations with cutting-edge milling facilities, Z.R. Agro Industries continuously improves crop quality and operational efficiency.

In an exclusive conversation with The Interview World, Mohd. Sahir, Managing Director of Z.R. Agro Industries, discussed unique rice varieties, emphasized product supply to domestic and international markets, outlined his long-term vision, and shared insights into the company’s current turnover. Below are the key takeaways from his interview.    

Q: Can you provide more details on the unique products that differentiate Z.R. Agro Industries from its competitors?

A: Our vision is to integrate traditional farming methods with modern technologies. To achieve this, we source premium-quality paddy from local farmers across various states in India. After carefully analyzing the paddy’s quality, we process it using advanced machinery. We carry it out under the supervision of our quality assurance team to produce a variety of rice types. Our unique rice varieties include brown, steamed, and sela.

Within these categories, we offer both Basmati and non-Basmati rice. In the Basmati segment, our popular varieties include 11-11-21, sourced from different regions of India. Additionally, we offer other sought-after Basmati varieties such as 7-7-18 and 15-0-9.

For non-Basmati, we produce varieties like Sugandha and Sarbati. Furthermore, we produce organic and pesticide-free rice, ensuring the highest quality standards for our customers.

Q: Do you supply these products solely within the country, or do you also export them to international markets?

A: Over the past year, we have successfully expanded into the export market, primarily focusing on Dubai and the broader Middle East. My father has been in the manufacturing industry for over 30 years, and I recently joined him a year and a half ago, transitioning from a background in software engineering. With decades of experience, my father has perfected the art of rice manufacturing. In a market filled with exporters, what sets us apart is that we are the origin—we are the manufacturers. We offer the best quality rice at unbeatable prices, something no other exporter can match.

Many leading brands in the market also source from us. For the past 30 years, my father has supplied them with various high-quality varieties. This success has driven us to expand our operations, and we now have a daily production capacity of 20 metric tons.

My vision is simple: we will deliver exactly what we promise. Whether it’s organic, pesticide-free, or a specific variety like 100% pure 11-21 Basmati, we ensure the quality is authentic. There are various Basmati types, each with its own price variation, but one thing remains constant—we provide premium quality without any blending or the use of artificial fragrances.

Q: What is your long-term vision for this production, and what new products are you planning to introduce to the market?

A: Our vision is focused on expanding into new international markets and scaling our exports. We are also increasing our production of organic and pesticide-free rice, striving to meet the growing demand for healthier, sustainable products.

Looking ahead, we plan to diversify by producing rice-based products such as rice paper and rice flour. While we are still in the early stages of this expansion, these initiatives reflect our long-term strategy for growth and innovation.

Q: What is your current turnover, and how do you project its growth over the next 5 to 10 years?

A: Z.R. Agro is part of a group of three companies, which includes Rahim Industries and HR Agro Industries, collectively generating a turnover of approximately Rs. 150 crore.

Given the growing demand for organic products, it’s clear that rice remains an essential staple in India and across many countries. As a daily necessity, its demand continues to rise, but challenges such as a shortage of sustainable labor persist. Despite these hurdles, we are committed to continuous improvement at every step of our operations.

While it’s difficult to project any specific figures for long-term growth at this stage, we have ambitious plans for significant expansion and growth in the future.