IR-64 Parboiled Rice : Specifications, Grades, Prices & Import Overview

IR-64 Parboiled Rice is a long-grain non-basmati rice processed through hydrothermal steaming (Sella), widely used in West Africa and GCC markets for bulk consumption, government tenders, and catering. It is typically traded in 5% and 25% broken grades in Creamy and Golden variants.

What is IR 64 Parboiled Rice?

IR64 parboiled rice (Sella) functions as a primary commodity in the international parboiled rice trade. While the fundamental IR 64 rice variety provides the genetic baseline, the specific commercial value of this grade is determined by its hydrothermal processing.

The grain profile maintains the standard IR-64 rice length of 5.8 mm to 6.2 mm, but the parboiling process alters the physical structure. Unlike its raw counterpart, IR 64 parboiled rice is defined by its golden or creamy hue and a firm, separate texture upon cooking that is suitable for mass consumption.

Specifications Of IR-64 Parboiled Rice

Strategic Market Positioning

This section explains where IR-64 parboiled rice is consumed globally and why it is preferred for large-scale food programs.

This variety serves the high-volume segment of the global rice economy. In markets like Benin, Nigeria, and the broader West African coast, IR 64 parboiled rice functions as a staple food alternative.

How is Indian IR-64 Parboiled Different from Thai Parboiled Rice?

Indian IR 64 parboiled rice and Thai Parboiled Long Grain compete directly for the "standard parboiled" market share, particularly in African tenders. While they often appear interchangeable on tender documents, distinct trade nuances exist.

Origin and Colour: Indian IR-64 Parboiled (Sella) typically ranges from a light "creamy" to a deeper "golden" colour depending on the steaming duration. Thai Parboiled tends to have a slightly lighter, sometimes yellowish tint and a different milling finish.

Cooking Texture: Indian IR-64 is prized for its high elongation and firm bite. It swells considerably, providing a higher volume of cooked rice per kilogram—a critical metric for cost-conscious institutional buyers. Thai parboiled rice is often perceived as slightly softer.

Price Spread: Indian IR-64 Parboiled consistently trades at a discount to Thai origin. India's massive milling capacity allows IR 64 parboiled rice exporters in India to offer aggressive pricing, making it the preferred choice for large-scale importers in Lomé and Cotonou who operate on thin margins.

Buyer Loyalty: The decision is purely economic. When the "origin spread" (price gap) between India and Thailand widens, Indian IR-64 dominates the flow. When freight rates equalise, or Indian prices spike, buyers may switch to Thai, but India remains the default volume leader for rice exporters.

Specification Source & Compliance:

• Base Standard: Aligned with Codex Alimentarius Standard 198-1995 for Rice.
• Verification: Final specifications subject to pre-shipment inspection by SGS / Bureau Veritas / Cotecna.
• Grading: As per Indian Standard IS 2814:1978.

IR-64 Parboiled Rice Commercial Classification

While the genetic base of the IR64 rice variety is uniform, the commercial classification of IR 64 parboiled rice is determined by the intensity of the steaming process and the resulting colour profile.

Processing Method (Hydrothermal Treatment)

• Creamy Sella : The paddy is steamed briefly. The resulting rice has a light beige or creamy translucency. This is the standard "Parboiled" grade for general retail.
• Golden Sella : The paddy undergoes extended steaming. This forces the pigments from the husk into the grain, resulting in a deep amber/golden colour. This grade is ideal for catering.

Grain Size and Cooking Performance

• Elongation: 1.5x to 1.7x.
• Market Positioning: Sold as "Long Grain Parboiled." In some African markets, IR64 parboiled rice is colloquially referred to as "The texture and appearance are commonly compared to premium retail parboiled rice due to its non-sticky texture..

Broken Percentage (Quality Grade)

• 5% Broken: The industry standard for retail packs and premium bulk exports.
• 25% Broken: A common specification for government food reserves and highly price-sensitive markets in the Sahel region.

Milling and Finish

• Sortex / Silky: High-level polishing to remove bran oil residues, giving the IR-64 rice a glass-like finish.

Applications & End-Use Mapping - IR-64 Parboiled Rice

IR 64 parboiled rice serves markets that demand specific culinary performance—specifically fluffiness, grain separation, and storage durability.

Mass catering and HORECA operations: This is the primary domain of IR64 parboiled rice (specifically the Golden Sella variant). It is the staple for Jollof rice in West Africa and Biryani in the Middle East. Professional chefs opt for the IR 64 rice variety because it is a much sturdier option when compared to other rice varieties.

Government stockpiles and food security: For relief tenders, this variety is superior than raw rice. The parboiling process significantly extends shelf life in hot, humid warehouses without rapid spoilage. This reliability makes it a top-volume product for rice exporters.

Everyday household dining: In West Africa, it is the standard daily table rice supplied. It offers the "premium mouthfeel" of distinct grains that stand up well to heavy, tomato-based stews.

Global Trade Architecture: IR-64 Parboiled Rice

This section outlines how IR-64 parboiled rice is traded internationally, including supply chains, buyer regions, and logistics flow

The trade geography of IR 64 parboiled rice is a specialised subset of the general rice trade, defined by a "South-South" flow from Indian mills to African ports.

Primary Origin Markets

• India (The Parboiling Specialist): India is the undisputed leader in parboiled exports. The milling infrastructure in states like Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh is specifically geared toward the hydrothermal treatment of IR-64 rice paddy. This infrastructure supports the dominance of IR 64 parboiled rice exporters in India, who are capable of fulfilling massive international orders.
• Thailand (The High-End Alternative): Thailand exports "Parboiled 100% Sortex", often targeting markets with slightly higher purchasing power or specific texture preferences.
• Pakistan: Supplies IRRI-6 Parboiled, a direct, often cheaper substitute for IR64 parboiled rice , particularly when Indian prices rise due to MEP(Minimum Export Price) policies.

Strategic Consumption Nodes

• West Africa - The Parboiled Belt: This is the single largest consumption block. Benin (Cotonou) acts as the entry valve for the massive Nigerian market, which has a distinct cultural preference for the IR 64 rice variety over white rice.
• South Africa: A significant market for high-quality, clean parboiled rice (often Golden Sella) for retail distribution.
• Middle East (GCC): Uses Creamy and Golden Sella for labour camp catering and lower-tier restaurant segments where Basmati is too expensive. To meet this specific demand, IR 64 rice exporters in India maintain steady supply chains to these regions.

Strategic Market Intelligence: Global Landscape

This section highlights pricing behavior, demand cycles, and buyer decision factors in global IR-64 parboiled rice trade.

The IR-64 Parboiled sector is structural and utilitarian. It is less speculative than the Basmati market but moves significantly larger volumes.

Current Valuation & Volume Metrics

Parboiled rice constitutes a major percentage of India's non-basmati export basket. The valuation is driven by volume; even a $10/MT shift in FOB pricing can alter trade flows by millions of tonnes annually.

Strategic Horizon & Growth Trajectory

Growth is projected to be stable (CAGR ~4%), driven by population growth in West Africa. As urbanisation increases, the demand for "easy-to-cook" parboiled rice (which is harder to mess up than Raw Rice ) grows in tandem.

IR-64 Parboiled Rice: Core Demand Drivers

Government and Institutional Buyers Lead the Market

State-backed procurement in African nations often specifies "Parboiled Rice" to ensure the stockpile lasts longer. The heat stability of IR-64 Parboiled makes it the default choice for military and school feeding programmes where caloric density and cooking ease are paramount.

The Urban Shift and Convenience

In rapidly urbanising African cities, time is a luxury. IR-64 Parboiled is preferred because it is "forgiving" to cook—it doesn't turn into mush if overcooked slightly, making it ideal for busy urban households and street food vendors.

Nutritional Awareness

The inherent nutritional advantage of parboiling (higher vitamin retention) is becoming a stronger selling point, moving the product from a "bulk commodity" to a "value staple".

Production & Supply Dynamics: IR-64 Parboiled Rice

A Market Controlled by Processing Capacity

Unlike Raw Rice , which simply needs milling, parboiled rice requires specialised soaking and steaming infrastructure. India possesses the world's largest installed capacity for this. This creates a high barrier to entry for other nations attempting to compete at scale.

The "India Risk"

Since parboiling capacity is so concentrated in India, the global market is highly sensitive to Indian energy costs (coal/husk for boilers) and water availability. Disruption in Indian processing hubs leads to immediate shortages in destination markets.

IR-64 Parboiled Rice: Export & Import Trend Snapshot

Pricing & Export Value

Margins in parboiled trade are generally higher than those in raw rice due to the value-added processing cost.

• Parboiled (5% broken): $380-$520/MT (Indicative Range)
• Golden Sella: Commands a premium of $20-$40/MT over Creamy Sella due to longer processing times.

Import Market Insights

• Primary Hubs: Cotonou (Benin) and Lomé (Togo) remain the undisputed kings of parboiled rice imports, acting as transit points for the wider Sahel.

Bulk Export Price & Cost Indicators - IR-64 Parboiled Rice

Indicative Bulk Export Prices (FOB India, Q1 2026)

Price Influencers:

• Energy Costs: Parboiling is energy-intensive. Coal and paddy husk prices directly impact the FOB rate.
• Milling Yield: Parboiled paddy has a higher "head rice recovery" (less breakage) than raw paddy, which helps offset the extra processing cost.

Note: Prices are subject to change. Variations in pricing can be attributed to grade, volume, origin, compliance, packaging, and logistics differences. Final contractual pricing requires a quote from the supplier based on current market conditions and agreed-upon Incoterms.

HS/HSN Codes for IR-64 Parboiled Rice

Correct classification is vital, as parboiled rice often attracts different duty structures than white rice in importing nations.

Logistics, Packaging & Incoterms - IR 64 Parboiled Rice

Packaging

Standard 50 kg PP bags are the norm. However, "Para-boiled" markets often demand specific branding. BOPP bags (laminated, high-gloss) are frequently used for the 5kg, 10kg, and 25kg retail sizes popular in African supermarkets.

Storage & Handling

IR-64 Parboiled has a distinct advantage: Shelf Life. It remains stable for 18-24 months. It is less hygroscopic than white rice , meaning it absorbs less atmospheric moisture, reducing the risk of "caking" during ocean transit.

Certifications & Compliance - IR-64 Parboiled Rice

• Phytosanitary: Critical to prove the steaming process was sufficient to sterilise the grain.
• Fumigation: Standard Methyl Bromide or Phosphine fumigation is mandatory.
• Non-GMO Certificate: Often requested, though IR-64 is conventionally bred.
• Inspection: Bureau Veritas or SGS inspection of the "Cooking Quality" (expansion and non-stickiness) is often requested by buyers to ensure the degree of gelatinisation meets the "Sella" standard.

Future Outlook & Opportunities - IR-64 Parboiled Rice

Staple-grade anchor in global food security:

IR-64 Parboiled will remain the primary caloric import for West Africa. The demand is inelastic; price fluctuations rarely destroy demand, they only shift volume between 5% and 25% broken grades.

Value addition through Fortification:

The future lies in Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK). Blending IR-64 Parboiled with micronutrient-fortified kernels is the next frontier for government tenders in Nigeria and Ghana.

Why source IR 64 Parboiled Rice through Tradologie?

If you're in the bulk parboiled trade, you know the struggle: confirming if a supplier actually has the steaming infrastructure or is just trading paper.

Tradologie flips that dynamic:

• Direct to the Millers: You deal with exporters who own the parboiling plants.
• Verify the Spec: Parboiled rice varies by colour (Creamy vs Golden). On Tradologie, you specify the exact "Colour Sortex" parameters and negotiate live.
• Real-time Prices: Energy costs change daily. Our platform ensures your parboiled rice quote reflects the live cost of production, not last week's list price.

Transparency & Disclaimer

Based on current APEDA and DGFT trade trends, market data and price indicators ($480–$540/MT) for IR-64 Parboiled rice in 2026 are presented. Parboiled pricing is heavily dependent on energy/fuel costs in India. Traders must confirm current compliance standards and obtain a formal quotation from a verified supplier.

Source: APEDA, DGFT, FOB