Indian Essence IR64 Rice is a widely cultivated long-grain non-basmati variety, well-known for its affordability, high yield, and versatility in everyday cooking. Grown extensively across India’s fertile rice belts, IR64 is one of the most exported non-basmati varieties, valued in both domestic and international markets for its consistent quality and taste.

Indian Essence ensures that IR64 Rice is hygienically processed, cleaned, and graded, delivering uniform grains that cook fluffy and soft, making it an excellent staple for households, restaurants, and bulk catering.Whether it is the daily rice meal in a South Indian home, the midday meal in a government school, or a bulk export to Africa or the Middle East, IR64 rice is trusted for its consistent quality, fast cooking time, and competitive price. This variety has earned its place in global supply chains thanks to its versatility and yield.

Indian Essence IR64 rice is considered a semi-dwarf, early maturing rice variety, ideal for regions with water constraints or those practicing multiple cropping systems. It is suited to both irrigated and rainfed ecosystems.

Key agricultural features:

• Crop Duration: 110 to 125 days (early-maturing)

• Plant Height: 95 to 105 cm

• Grain Yield: 5 to 6.5 tons per hectare

• Water Requirements: Moderate; performs well in lowland areas

• Disease Resistance: Moderate tolerance to blast, bacterial leaf blight, and brown planthopper

• Soil Suitability: Grows well in loamy, alluvial, or medium black soils

Its short growth cycle allows farmers to cultivate more than one crop annually, increasing income potential and crop rotation flexibility.

Indian Essence IR64 rice is recognized for its medium slender grain and mild flavor. It is available in raw (white) and parboiled (sela) forms, with parboiled being preferred for its longer shelf life and higher nutritional value.

Physical properties of IR64 rice:

• Grain Length: 6.0–6.2 mm

• Grain Shape: Medium slender

• Color: White (raw) or golden-yellow (parboiled)

• Milling Recovery: 68–72% head rice

• Chalkiness: Moderate

• Texture after cooking: Soft and fluffy

• Moisture Content: Typically 12–13%

The grain remains firm without becoming sticky, making it ideal for large-scale catering or quick cooking in household kitchens.

Indian Essence IR64 rice is known for its easy cooking and mild neutral taste, making it suitable for a wide range of cuisines. It absorbs flavors well and delivers a soft texture that is appreciated in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals.

Key cooking features:

• Boiling Time: 15–18 minutes

• Water Ratio: 1:2 (rice to water)

• Grain Expansion: Moderate (not as much as Basmati)

• Stickiness: Low to medium, depending on water used

• Aroma: None to very mild

Common dishes made with IR64 rice include:

• Steamed rice for daily meals

• Khichdi or pongal

• Lemon rice

• Curd rice

• Fried rice and pulao (non-premium)

• Bulk meal services (hostels, canteens, school meals)

Indian Essence IR64 has a strong presence in both domestic and international markets. In India, it is the backbone of public food supply programs, while abroad, it is one of the most exported non-basmati varieties, especially in the budget segment.

Domestic demand:

• Popular in South Indian and Eastern Indian households

• Supplied in ration schemes (PDS) and mid-day meal programs

• Used by small eateries, tiffin services, and caterers

• Preferred by industrial kitchens and NGOs for bulk cooking

International demand:

• High exports to Africa, Bangladesh, UAE, Yemen, Benin, and Senegal

• Used in humanitarian food aid and government relief programs

• One of the most exported non-basmati rice varieties from India

• Preferred by buyers seeking affordable alternatives to premium rice

The typical FOB (Free on Board) price range for IR64 is much lower than Basmati, making it competitive in price-sensitive markets.

Farmers:

• Early maturity allows two or three crop cycles per year

• Good resistance to pests and diseases

• Requires moderate fertilizer input

• Suitable for both irrigated and rainfed regions

• Good market demand and fair procurement rates

Traders and Millers:

• Easy to source in bulk from major rice-producing regions

• High milling recovery

• Versatile in raw and parboiled form

• Stable pricing year-round

• Strong domestic and international demand

Consumers:

• Affordable daily-use rice

• Fast cooking, energy-efficient

• Non-sticky, soft texture

• Suitable for all types of Indian and Asian dishes

Despite its popularity, Indian Essence IR64 rice has some limitations:

• Lacks aroma and premium appeal of Basmati rice

• Not suitable for special occasions or high-end dishes

• Susceptible to lodging under certain high-fertilizer conditions

• Shorter shelf life in raw form if not stored properly

• Grain breakage may occur during poor milling

These limitations, however, are outweighed by its high productivity and economic value.

Indian Essence IR64 rice is one of the most dependable and widely accepted non-basmati rice varieties in India and around the world. It offers the perfect mix of affordability, yield, adaptability, and soft texture, making it ideal for daily consumption and mass distribution.

From a farmer’s perspective, Indian Essence IR64 offers an opportunity for consistent income. For traders, it opens doors to high-volume exports. For families and institutions, it is a cost-effective way to feed many without sacrificing quality.