When sourcing non-Basmati rice from India, most international buyers encounter the same three names: IR64, Sona Masoori, and RNR (Samba Masuri). Each has different grain characteristics, price points, cooking behaviour, and market suitability. Choosing the wrong variety for your market can mean unsold stock, poor repeat orders, and a damaged supplier relationship.
This guide gives you a practical, importer-focused comparison of all three varieties - covering grain specification, taste and cooking quality, FOB price range, shelf life, packaging formats, and which markets prefer each variety based on actual demand patterns.
All three varieties are grown in South India - Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana - and are exported in significant volumes. The right choice depends entirely on your destination market and end consumer. There is no "best" variety - only the best variety for your buyer.
Quick Comparison - IR64 vs Sona Masoori vs RNR
| Parameter | IR64 | Sona Masoori | RNR (Samba Masuri) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grain Type | Medium slender | Medium slender | Short slender |
| Grain Length (raw) | 5.5 – 6.0 mm | 5.5 – 6.2 mm | 4.5 – 5.2 mm |
| Grain Colour | White, sometimes creamy | White, translucent | White, slightly milky |
| Aroma | Mild to none | Mild, slightly aromatic | Mild natural aroma |
| Texture when cooked | Soft, slightly sticky | Soft, light, fluffy | Soft, slightly sticky |
| Broken % (export grade) | 5% or 25% | 5% | 5% |
| Moisture (export) | Max 14% | Max 14% | Max 14% |
| Available as parboiled? | Yes - widely available | Rarely | Rarely |
| FOB Price (India, 2026) | $290 – $340 / MT | $360 – $430 / MT | $330 – $390 / MT |
| HS Code (milled) | 1006.30 | 1006.30 | 1006.30 |
IR64 Rice - The Volume Workhorse
IR64 is India's highest-volume non-Basmati rice export variety. It is a medium slender grain, milky white, and cooks soft and slightly sticky. Available in both raw and parboiled formats - IR64 parboiled is particularly popular in West and East African markets where parboiled rice is the preferred daily staple.
IR64's main advantage is price - it is consistently the cheapest of the three varieties at export, making it ideal for bulk commodity buyers in price-sensitive markets. Its disadvantage is lower perceived quality compared to Sona Masoori and RNR - it is not a premium product and should not be positioned as one.
Best Markets: Nigeria, Tanzania, Mozambique, Cameroon, Ghana (parboiled especially), Iraq, Yemen, Bangladesh
Not Suitable For: Premium retail segments, health-conscious markets, South Indian diaspora communities who specifically want Sona Masoori or RNR
Sona Masoori Rice - The Premium Everyday Choice
Sona Masoori (also spelled Sona Masuri or HMT) is arguably India's most beloved everyday rice for South Indian households. It is a medium slender grain, highly translucent when raw, light and fluffy when cooked, with a mild natural aroma. It cooks relatively quickly compared to other varieties and is lower in starch than Basmati, making it popular among health-conscious consumers.
For importers, Sona Masoori commands a price premium over IR64 and consistently commands strong retail prices in markets with Indian, Sri Lankan, and Southeast Asian diaspora communities. It is not as widely available in parboiled format - most demand is for raw milled.
Best Markets: USA (South Indian diaspora - Texas, California, New Jersey), UK, UAE (South Indian community), Singapore, Malaysia, Australia
Not Suitable For: Pure commodity/bulk buyers who will substitute with lower-cost alternatives; West African markets where parboiled is preferred
RNR Samba Masuri Rice - The Rising Star
RNR (also called Samba Masuri or BPT 5204) is a short slender grain variety developed in Karnataka's Sindhanur-Raichur belt - which is Draba Ventures' home region. It is shorter and rounder than Sona Masoori, cooks very soft and slightly sticky, and has a mild natural fragrance. It is increasingly popular as a health rice - its glycaemic index is lower than many other rice varieties, which is becoming a key selling point in GCC and African markets.
RNR has seen strong export demand growth since 2022, particularly to UAE, Oman, Kenya, and Tanzania, where it is positioned between commodity rice (IR64) and premium Basmati. For importers looking for a differentiated product that commands better margins than IR64 but is more affordable than Basmati, RNR is an excellent choice.
Best Markets: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia - South Indian diaspora and health-conscious mainstream buyers
Not Suitable For: Markets that specifically demand Sona Masoori by name; buyers wanting parboiled format
Market-Wise Recommendation Guide
| Destination Market | Recommended Variety | Format | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| UAE / GCC (bulk) | RNR or IR64 | Raw | Price-competitive, high volume demand |
| UAE / GCC (Indian community) | Sona Masoori or RNR | Raw, 5 kg retail packs | South Indian diaspora brand preference |
| UK (Indian grocery retail) | Sona Masoori | Raw, 5–10 kg bags | Strong South Indian community demand |
| USA (Indian grocery) | Sona Masoori | Raw, branded retail | Premium South Indian brand positioning |
| Nigeria / West Africa | IR64 Parboiled | Parboiled, 25–50 kg | Local preference for parboiled, price sensitivity |
| Kenya / East Africa | RNR or IR64 | Raw or parboiled | Growing demand for Indian non-Basmati |
| Malaysia | Sona Masoori or RNR | Raw, 5–10 kg | South Asian community, quality preference |
| Germany / EU (South Asian stores) | Sona Masoori | Raw, 5 kg retail | Indian diaspora, health rice segment |
Shelf Life and Storage Comparison
All three varieties have similar shelf life when properly dried and packaged - approximately 12–18 months in PP woven bags under ambient conditions. However, Sona Masoori is slightly more prone to yellowing under humid storage conditions than IR64 and RNR. For long-haul shipments or warehouse storage in humid climates (West Africa, Southeast Asia), ensure moisture content is below 13% and fumigation is done before loading.
RNR has excellent shelf stability and is generally considered the most consistent of the three in maintaining colour and aroma through extended storage.
Which to Choose - Quick Decision Framework
- Lowest price, highest volume? → IR64 (raw or parboiled)
- South Indian diaspora retail? → Sona Masoori (raw)
- Middle East or East Africa, premium positioning? → RNR Samba Masuri (raw)
- West Africa parboiled market? → IR64 Parboiled
- Health rice segment? → RNR (lowest GI, natural aroma)
- First order, testing market? → RNR - best value-to-price ratio, most versatile
We Export All Three Varieties from Karnataka
Draba Ventures exports IR64, Sona Masoori, RNR Samba Masuri, and Parboiled rice directly from Sindhanur, Karnataka. We can supply all three in a single container if you want to test multiple varieties. FOB/CIF pricing available.
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