When I started speaking with international rice buyers, one question came up again and again.
Why is the price of the same IR64 rice different from one exporter to another?
The answer is not always logistics or margins. In most cases, it comes down to two factors that many new exporters ignore.
Moisture percentage
Broken grain percentage
These two parameters quietly decide whether a shipment will be profitable or become a dispute after arrival.
In this blog, I want to explain how moisture and broken percentage affect IR64 rice exports from India and how buyers can protect themselves by understanding these basics.
Why Moisture Percentage Matters in IR64 Rice
Moisture is one of the most sensitive quality parameters in non basmati rice.
For IR64 rice, the ideal export moisture range is usually between 13 percent and 14 percent.
If moisture is higher:
• Shelf life reduces
• Risk of fungal growth increases
• Weight loss occurs during transit
• Buyers face storage issues at destination
Many new exporters think higher moisture means more weight and better pricing. In reality, buyers penalize high moisture heavily once the cargo arrives.
This is why professional buyers always insist on moisture reports before shipment.
Broken Percentage and Its Direct Impact on Price
Broken rice percentage affects cooking quality, appearance, and market value.
For IR64 rice:
• 5 percent broken is premium
• 10 percent broken is standard
• Anything above needs strong price adjustment
Broken grains increase due to:
• Improper milling
• Poor paddy drying
• Wrong moisture levels during processing
Even a difference of 2 percent broken can change the final landed cost significantly for buyers in West Africa.
The Link Between Moisture and Broken Grains
Many people do not realize this, but moisture and broken percentage are connected.
If paddy is dried too aggressively, grains become brittle and break during milling.
If moisture is too high, grains crack later during storage or transit.
This balance is what experienced millers and exporters focus on.
At Kivaro Global, we spend time aligning milling conditions with buyer requirements instead of pushing one standard quality for all markets.
What Buyers Should Ask Before Finalizing IR64 Rice
Before confirming an order, buyers should always ask for:
• Moisture analysis report
• Broken percentage certificate
• Milling date
• Packing date
• Storage conditions
These checks reduce disputes and build long term trust.
For buyers new to IR64 rice trade, I strongly recommend reading our detailed guide on IR64 rice exports from India to West Africa, which explains grades, packing, and sourcing in depth.
You can read our complete buyer guide on IR64 non basmati rice exports from India to West Africa here:
How Kivaro Global Helps Buyers Control Quality Risk
Quality issues do not start at the port. They start at the mill.
At Kivaro Global, our role is not just to sell rice. It is to:
• Source from mills that understand export markets
• Match moisture and broken levels to buyer country preferences
• Avoid over processed rice that fails on arrival
• Communicate transparently before shipment
This approach reduces post shipment disputes and helps buyers build stable supply chains.
IR64 rice exports are not about the cheapest price.
They are about consistent quality, realistic moisture levels, and honest communication.
Buyers who understand moisture and broken percentage make better decisions and avoid losses that never show on paper until the cargo lands.