What Is IR-64 Parboiled Rice?

IR-64 is a semi-dwarf, high-yielding rice variety developed by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the 1980s. "Parboiled" means the paddy has been soaked, steamed, and dried before milling — a process that drives nutrients into the grain, makes it more resistant to breakage, and gives it a characteristic firmer texture after cooking.

Grade Structure

GradeBroken %MoistureFOB JNPT 2026Key Market
IR-64 Par 5%Max 5%Max 14%$310–$360/MTGulf, South-East Asia, diaspora
IR-64 Par 15%Max 15%Max 14%$285–$330/MTWest Africa general
IR-64 Par 25%Max 25%Max 14.5%$260–$300/MTWest Africa commodity
IR-64 Par 100% Broken100% (head broken)Max 14.5%$200–$240/MTWest Africa, animal feed, brewing

West Africa — The Dominant Market

West Africa (Benin, Togo, Ghana, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Cameroon) accounts for over 50% of India's IR-64 parboiled rice exports. The Cotonou, Lomé, and Tema ports serve as regional distribution hubs. West African consumers prefer parboiled rice because it cooks faster, is more forgiving of water ratios, and has better shelf life in hot, humid climates.

Why Parboiled? Parboiled rice has a lower glycaemic index than white rice, doesn't stick, separates grain-by-grain after cooking, and can be cooked in less water. These properties make it ideal for street food, institutional catering, and homes without precise cooking equipment.

Parboiling Color — What Buyers Look For

The parboiling process gives rice a light golden-yellow colour. West African buyers generally prefer a medium golden colour — too pale suggests under-parboiling (poor nutrition, more breakage); too dark suggests over-parboiling (burnt taste, dark grain). Request a photo or physical sample from your supplier to confirm colour standards match your market's preference.

Milling and Sortex

After parboiling and milling, rice goes through Sortex machines (optical colour sorters) that remove discoloured, chalky, or damaged grains. Higher-grade IR-64 5% has been through multiple passes of Sortex, resulting in uniform golden colour and minimal defects. Ask your supplier how many Sortex passes are done — 2–3 passes is standard for premium grades.

Container Loading Reference

FCL Loading Data

  • 20ft FCL in 50 kg bags: 20–22 MT (400–440 bags)
  • 20ft FCL in 25 kg bags: 18–20 MT
  • 40ft FCL in 50 kg bags: 24–26 MT
  • Fumigation: Aluminium Phosphide, certificate provided
  • Transit JNPT to Cotonou: 22–28 days
  • Transit JNPT to Mombasa: 18–22 days