PR-106 Long Grain Rice: Specifications, Uses, Pricing & Global Trade

This page provides a detailed trade and sourcing overview of PR-106 non-basmati long grain rice, covering specifications, applications, pricing behavior, and global import demand for bulk buyers.

Import PR-106 Long Grain Rice: Secure Your Bulk Shipment Now

PR-106 is a widely traded Indian non-basmati long grain rice used in bulk catering, retail, and re-export markets where grain length, separation, and cost balance matter.

PR 106 non basmati rice is a distinct variety cultivated extensively in the fertile plains of Northern India, particularly in Punjab and Haryana. As a leading long grain non basmati rice India produces, it is often characterised as a "semi-premium" grain featuring a slender shape and an average grain length of approximately 6.4mm to 6.6mm, distinguishing it from shorter varieties like IR-64. It is widely recognised for its non-sticky texture and fluffy consistency upon cooking, available commercially in Raw, White Sella (Parboiled ), and Golden Sella forms to suit diverse culinary preferences.

Commercial Importance

This section explains why PR-106 functions as a mid-tier trade variety positioned between commodity rice and premium Basmati.

This PR-106 long grain rice acts as a crucial market bridge because it offers the visual appeal and cooking integrity of premium grains without the high price tag associated with traditional Basmati. By delivering a "Basmati-like" elongated grain structure and separate texture at a mid-tier price point, it allows traders to target consumers who aspire to premium-style meals but are constrained by budget. Its ability to mimic the volume and presentation of higher-end varieties makes it an indispensable stock-keeping unit (SKU) for markets that cannot sustain the high cost of pure Basmati.

Core Industries

PR 106 rice is a staple powerhouse for the bulk catering sector, including hotels, canteens, and large-scale industrial kitchens, where yield and distinct grain separation are critical for dishes like fried rice and biryani. In the retail sector, it is frequently packaged as a branded "Long Grain" everyday rice or used in blends to stabilise costs for budget-conscious households. Furthermore, the re-export market relies heavily on this variety, particularly in trading hubs like Dubai, where it is imported in bulk, reprocessed, and distributed to African and Middle Eastern markets.

Product Specifications: PR-106 Long Grain Rice Technical Parameters

The following specifications represent commonly traded export parameters. Final contract terms may vary by buyer requirement and destination market.
 

PR-106 vs. IR-64: The Distinction in Indian Non-Basmati Rice

Quick Comparison Snapshot:
• PR-106: Semi-premium, longer grain, higher margins
• IR-64: Commodity staple, shorter grain, volume-driven
 

PR 106 rice and IR-64 are the two pillars of India's non-basmati export trade, but they serve entirely different masters. While IR-64 powers the global commodity engine, PR-106 captures the value-added segment.

• Market Positioning: "Semi-Premium" vs. "Global Standard" The fundamental difference lies in aspiration. PR-106 long grain rice is positioned as an affordable upgrade—a bridge to Basmati for consumers who want the "look" without the price. IR-64, conversely, is the undisputed volume leader, serving as the benchmark for standard white rice in government tenders and mass retail.
• Grain Profile: The Length Advantage. Specs drive the visual difference. PR-106 non basmati rice wins on aesthetics with a slender average grain length (AGL) of 6.4mm to 6.6mm, offering a refined appearance. IR-64 is shorter and stockier, averaging 6.0mm to 6.2mm. For buyers where "eye appeal" on the shelf matters, PR-106 is the clear victor.
• Consumption Experience: Fluffiness vs. Fill. PR-106 is renowned for its non-sticky, distinct texture, making it the preferred long grain non basmati rice. India exports for catering, biryanis, and fried rice. Because of its higher caloric yield and softer texture, IR-64 is a popular food in Asian and African households.
• Price Dynamics: Margin vs. Volume. Trading logic differs for each. PR 106 rice commands a premium, offering traders higher margins per container but lower overall volume. IR-64 trades on razor-thin margins where success depends on moving massive tonnage. A $5/ton shift impacts IR-64 demand instantly, whereas PR-106 buyers are often more price-resilient due to quality loyalty.

Buyer Strategy: When to choose which?

It comes down to the target shelf. If the importer is supplying hotels, mid-tier restaurants, or branded retail packs, they book PR-106 . If the contract is for civil supplies, humanitarian aid, or economy bulk bags, IR-64 is the automatic, cost-efficient choice.

Types, Grades & Variants of PR-106 Long Grain Rice

PR-106 is traded in multiple processing forms and quality grades depending on destination use, price sensitivity, and shelf positioning.
 

By Processing Form

PR-106 Raw White Rice (Polished/Silky) This is one of the most traditional forms of the PR rice variety , where the paddy is simply milled and polished to remove the husk and bran. It is more delicate than parboiled varieties and requires precise cooking times to prevent stickiness, making it ideal for household retail packs where visual purity is the selling point.

PR-106 Parboiled Rice (Sella) - Creamy vs. Golden Sella involves a hydro-thermal process (soaking and steaming) before milling, which gelatinises the starch and hardens the grain. Indian non basmati rice traders heavily favour this form for export markets. Creamy Sella is parboiled lightly to retain a whitish-beige hue, popular in African and Asian markets. Golden Sella undergoes a more intense steaming process, turning the grain a deep amber colour; it is the "tank" of rice varieties—virtually unbreakable in cooking—making it the top choice for bulk catering and Middle Eastern dishes like Majboos.

PR-106 Steam Rice Steam rice serves as a modern hybrid between Raw and Sella. The paddy is steamed without soaking, then dried and milled. This process hardens the grain sufficiently to reduce breakage during milling while maintaining a bright white colour similar to Raw rice . As an increasingly popular form of long grain rice in India , it is favoured in restaurant supply chains because it cooks faster than Sella but offers better durability and grain separation than traditional Raw rice.

By Quality Grade

Premium Export Grade (Sortex Cleaned, < 2% Broken ) This is the highest tier, processed by PR 106 rice exporters in India using advanced optical sorting machines (Sortex) to remove practically all discoloured grains and foreign matter. With a broken percentage strictly capped below 2%, this grade is visually flawless and uniform. It is targeted at affluent export markets (such as the EU, USA, and premium Middle Eastern retail) where the consumer expects a "Basmati-like" appearance without the associated cost.

Standard Grade (5% Broken) This is the commercial workhorse for the non-basmati rice variety PR 106 in the international trade. It allows for a maximum of 5% broken grains, which is visually acceptable for most mass-market applications. The slight inclusion of broken grains significantly lowers the FOB price compared to the premium grade, making it the preferred specification for supermarkets, wholesale distributors, and large-scale institutional buyers in price-sensitive regions.

Rejection/Feed Grade This category encompasses grains that fail the export standards due to high breakage (25% to 100% broken), chalkiness, or discolouration. It represents the lower tier of long grain non basmati rice India produces, which is generally not sold for direct human consumption in international markets. Instead, it is diverted domestically for processed food industries (rice flour, beer brewing), animal feed manufacturing, or industrial starch production.

Applications & End-Use Mapping - PR-106 Long Grain Rice

Typical buyers choose PR-106 based on:
• Grain separation after cooking
• Visual shelf appeal
• Cost control versus Basmati
 

Culinary Applications

PR-106 is widely regarded as a versatile non basmati long grain rice . Its primary strength lies in its non-sticky texture, making it ideal for Fried Rice and Pilaf.

Industry Usage: HORECA Dominance

In the HORECA (Hotels, Restaurants, Catering) sector, this variety is a profit-maximiser and a leading long grain non basmati rice India offers to the global food service industry.

Processing & Value Addition

While the whole grain is prized for direct consumption, the by-products and broken grades of PR-106 find extensive use in the food processing industry. Broken grains are highly valued for manufacturing rice flour due to their specific starch composition, which provides excellent crispiness in batters and snack foods.

Export-Oriented Uses: Re-bagging & Private Labelling

PR-106 is a favourite commodity for re-export hubs, particularly in the UAE and West Africa. PR 106 rice exporters in India often ship this variety in bulk (jumbo bags or loose in containers) to be re-bagged into consumer packs (1kg, 5kg, 10kg) under local private labels.

Global Supply & Demand Geography - PR-106 Long Grain Rice

Producing Regions

In the Indo-Gangetic plains of North India, especially in Punjab, Haryana, and certain areas in Western Uttar Pradesh, the PR 106 long grain rice is produced.

Major Import Markets

• West Africa: Countries such as Nigeria, Benin, and Togo are known to import huge quantities of a specific type called non-basmati rice variety PR 106, specifically 'Parboiled (Sella)'.
• Middle East: Buyers in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are led by the HORECA and catering industries.
• Southeast Asia: Though these markets have always been self-reliant, there are some, such as the Philippines and Indonesia, that act as opportunistic buyers in case of failures, thus outsourcing supplies from India for this variety.

India's Role in the Global Supply Chain

Due to its dominance in the world supply of PR-106, India controls availability and price trends. The non-basmati rice variety PR 106 is exclusively exported from India, in contrast to generic white rice, which can be obtained from Vietnam or Thailand.

Global Market Overview: Non-Basmati Long Grain Rice Trade

This overview focuses on the high-volume non-basmati long grain rice trade, separating it from the premium aromatic segment like Basmati.

Current Market Size

Market size figures are indicative estimates compiled from multiple industry research sources and trade databases.

Global Rice Market Value (2025 Estimate): USD 300-315 Billion

• Mordor Intelligence estimates the market at around USD 307B in 2024-25.
• SkyQuest projects approximately USD 309B in 2025.

Non-Basmati Long Grain Share: ~60% of total market value

• Long-grain rice accounts for the largest revenue share in the global rice trade.
• In volume terms, non-basmati exports far exceed premium varieties.
• India's 2025 export data shows:
  • Non-Basmati: ~15.15 million tons
  • Basmati: ~6.4 million tons

Growth Forecast (2025-2030)

The volume of demand, particularly in areas that import food, is what propels this segment's growth rather than trends in premium pricing.

Projected CAGR: 2.6% - 6.3%

• Higher estimates (around 6.3%) are linked to rising African demand.
• Conservative estimates (around 2.2% - 2.6%) reflect slower growth in developed markets.
• Expected Market Value by 2030: USD 380-400 Billion

Key Demand Drivers

• Managing currency weakness With many local currencies struggling against the US dollar, premium imports are becoming too costly for the Global South. Importers are switching to standard long-grain options to keep shelf prices stable.
• Convenience driving African demand Rice is replacing traditional root crops in diets in West and East Africa due to rapid urbanisation. It is a practical requirement for growing cities in Kenya and Nigeria because it is simpler to store and quicker to cook.
• Essential imports for Asian markets Countries like the Philippines and Indonesia rely on imported mid-grade rice to maintain national reserves and keep the population fed.
• Shift from luxury to utility The market is moving away from premium branding. Demand is now driven by essential food security and value for money, focusing on volume rather than exclusivity.

Production & Supply Dynamics

Defined by the Kharif timeline

The supply chain operates on a strict seasonal clock. Sowing begins with the onset of the Kharif season in June and July to catch the monsoon rains. The crop hits the mandis for procurement in October and November, setting the stock levels for the year ahead.

Farmer preference for quick turnaround

Growers in Punjab and Haryana prefer PR-106 because these short-duration crops mature faster, use fewer resources, and clear the fields earlier for the next rotation. While also aiding in high yields that farmers rely on for profit.

Dependence on water stability

Production volume is sensitive to environmental limits. Irregular monsoons can delay sowing or damage standing crops, while strict groundwater regulations in Northern India enforce rigid planting schedules. This leaves a narrow window for execution, where any disruption directly impacts the final harvest quantity.

Global Trade Flows & Regional Trends

The trade landscape for PR 106 rice has undergone a significant reset in 2025 following the removal of Indian export restrictions. As a high-yielding, non basmati long grain rice , it has reclaimed its position as the primary "volume driver" for international markets seeking a balance between premium aesthetics and commodity pricing.

India's Dominance in PR-106 Exports

India remains the unrivalled leader in the production and export of PR 106 non basmati rice, primarily due to its massive cultivation base in the Punjab and Haryana regions.

• Market Share: By late 2025, India's total rice exports surged toward 21.55 million metric tonnes, with long grain non basmati rice India accounting for roughly 70% of that volume.
• The PR 106 Advantage: Within the non-basmati segment, PR-106 long grain rice is prized for its "Basmati-like" appearance (slender grain, high length-to-breadth ratio) without the aromatic price premium. This makes it the go-to variety for institutional buyers and government-linked food security programmes.

Trade Hubs: Dubai and Singapore

While the grain originates in North India, the commercial control of PR 106 rice trade often passes through two global hubs that manage the financial and logistical "last mile".

• Dubai (The Gateway to Africa/Gulf):
  • Branding & Packaging: Dubai acts as a massive repackaging centre. Bulk shipments of non basmati long grain rice arrive at Jebel Ali, where they are branded into consumer-ready packets for the Middle East and West Africa.
  • Financial Velocity: In 2025, the UAE emerged as one of India's top five destinations for non-basmati rice, valued at over $700 million, largely for re-export purposes.
• Singapore (The Trade Finance Engine):
  • Risk Mitigation: Singaporean trading houses provide the necessary Letters of Credit (LCs) and insurance for high-volume shipments to developing markets. They manage the price volatility of long grain non basmati rice in India, ensuring a steady flow even when regional policy shifts occur.

Export & Import Trend Analysis

The following analysis tracks the volatility and recovery of PR 106 non basmati rice (categorised under Non-Basmati White/Parboiled customs codes) across three distinct phases.

Volume Trends: The V-Shaped Recovery

The export volume of long grain non basmati rice India followed a sharp "V-shaped" trajectory, reacting directly to government policy interventions.

• FY 2022-23 (The Peak): Before restrictions, India exported a record ~17.79 million tonnes of non-basmati rice. (Source: DGCIS Annual Export Report, FY23).
• FY 2023-24 (The Dip): Following the July 2023 ban on white rice, non-basmati export volumes contracted significantly by ~37.5%, dropping to 11.12 million tonnes. The market saw a forced substitution where importers switched to buying Parboiled varieties (which faced a 20% duty but were not banned) to bypass the "raw white" restrictions (Source: Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Annual Report 2023-24).
• FY 2025-26 (The Rebound): With restrictions lifted, total rice exports (Basmati + Non-Basmati) are projected to recover to ~24-25 million tonnes in the 2025/26 marketing year. Non-basmati shipments specifically are surging back, driven by pent-up demand from West African nations (Source: USDA Grain and Feed Update, IN2025-0037).

PR-106 Price & Bulk Cost Indicators

Indicative PR 106 Bulk Export Price: USD 470-550 per metric tonne (FOB)

PR-106 pricing is influenced by demand substitution, export policy, broken percentage, and seasonal stock availability. Price movements tend to be more stable than premium aromatic rice but more responsive than commodity-grade varieties.

All prices should be reconfirmed with exporters based on current crop position, shipment timelines, and contract specifications.

What usually shifts the price:

• Broken Percentage PR 106 non basmati rice is sold on visuals. 5% Sortex is the export standard. Higher breakage (10-15%) drops the price but kills the premium appeal in Gulf markets.
• Crop Cycle & Stock Position Prices hit the floor during the Oct-Nov harvest. Rates firm up in Q2/Q3 as millers shift to processing stored paddy, increasing holding costs.
• Origin-Side Costs Long grain non basmati rice India is grown in landlocked northern states. Inland haulage to port adds a fixed ~$35-45/MT cost that negotiation cannot remove.
• Packaging Format Standard 50kg PP bags are the baseline. Switching to 5kg/10kg retail packs adds incremental cost ($25-40/MT) due to slower milling speeds.

Disclaimer: Prices are indicative and subject to market volatility, exchange rates, and government policies.

HSN Code & Tax Classification

HS Code: 1006.30.90 PR 106 rice falls under the standard "Other" category for non basmati long grain rice.

• Export Protocol: Usually declared as "Wholly Milled Rice, Non-Basmati."
• Clearance: Correct classification is key. Mislabeling PR-106 long grain rice as Basmati triggers price checks and unnecessary customs flags.

Buyer Expectations & Trade Requirements

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This section explains how structured B2B trade platforms are used for bulk rice sourcing.

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Live negotiation, real market pricing Prices aren't static. Negotiations happen in real time, based on broken %, volume, and shipment terms.

Specs stay front and center Grain type, breakage, moisture, packing, port — everything is aligned upfront, not fixed later.

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Tradologie works when volumes matter, and clarity matters more. For buyers sourcing PR-106 rice in bulk, this model supports direct specification-based trade execution.

Logistics, Packaging & Incoterms

• Packaging Options
  • Polypropylene (PP) Bags (25kg/50kg): Most suitable for wholesale and bulk catering.
  • BOPP Bags (Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene): Best for retail.
  • Jute Bags: The "Premium/Eco-Friendly" choice.
• Logistics Rice is a game of weight, not volume. The 20ft container is the standard unit of trade, usually loaded with up to 26 Metric Tonnes of loose bags for cost efficiency. But buyers at the destination who need ultimate speed might opt for palletised cargo that exchanges shipping capacity for easier, forklift-ready unloading. Whatever the method of loading, proper moisture control via desiccants and lining is not negotiable to avoid "container rain" during the voyage.
• Incoterms The selection between FOB and CIF delineates the control in shipment. In FOB, the logistics command goes into the hands of the buyer, enabling him to take advantage of his freight contracts and control the schedule. In contrast, a model based on convenience, CIF allows the exporter to manage the entire journey and insurance up to the destination port. The final choice depends on whether the buyer values logistical control over the convenience of the transaction.

Certifications & Compliance

• Compulsory Safety Norms: While FSSAI registration guarantees the manufacturing plant meets national health standards, a Phytosanitary Certificate ensures the shipment is pest-free and safe for entry into foreign borders.
• Third-Party Inspection Agencies: Companies like SGS or Bureau Veritas serve as on-site representatives for the buyer. Their final report confirms that quality and weight match the contract before the container is sealed.
• Market-Specific Compliance: Entry is regulated by regional authorities. Shipments to Saudi Arabia shall comply with the requirements of SFDA; likewise, compliance with the requirements of NAFDAC should be in place for shipments to Nigeria.
• Fumigation: Containers are treated with Methyl Bromide or Aluminum Phosphide to remove pests and ensure the cargo arrives clean and passes quarantine inspections without issues.

Future Outlook & Opportunities

• Increasing demand for Steam PR-106 The steam variant is finding traction in new territories. Buyers looking for non-sticky, distinct grains for catering and retail are increasingly shifting volume towards this grade to diversify beyond standard parboiled options.
• Water-efficient cultivation Sustainability is becoming a trade requirement. PR-106 requires less water than traditional Basmati, making it a safer long-term bet for buyers concerned with supply stability and environmental impact.
• Fortification opportunities The market is moving toward value-added nutrition. Fortified PR-106 will be a relevant option for government food programmes and health-conscious private labels, opening up new export channels that standard white rice does not have.

Transparency & Disclaimer

All prices, specifications, and trade data are indicative and subject to change based on the time of year, source, legal constraints, and transportation. Buyers and sellers should double-check all data prior to contracting.

Sources: Reuters, APEDA, FOB