Paddy rice is the unprocessed grain harvested from the rice plant, still enclosed in its inedible hull. It is the primary raw material for rice milling and is distinct from the milled white or brown rice sold at retail.

How does paddy rice differ from brown rice?

Brown rice is the whole grain after the hull is removed, leaving the bran layer intact. Paddy rice still has the hull on, which protects the grain during storage and transport but must be removed before eating.

What should a buyer check when assessing paddy rice quality?

Key factors include moisture content, chalkiness, foreign material, and grain uniformity. These affect storage stability, milling yield, and the final appearance and cooking quality of the rice.

How should paddy rice be stored to maintain quality?

Store it in a dry, well-ventilated area, protected from moisture, pests, and temperature extremes. Keep the grain off the floor and away from walls to prevent condensation and rodent access.

Can paddy rice be used directly for food?

No, paddy rice must be milled to remove the hull before it is edible. The hull is inedible and must be separated through a milling process, which also removes the bran if white rice is desired.

Rough Rice

Rough rice is paddy rice that retains its husk after threshing and is the primary agricultural form of Oryza sativa before milling. It is produced on farms, dried to safe moisture levels, and traded in bulk as a dried grain measured in tonnes.

Prices, specifications and international trade for rough rice under HS 100610.

Rough Rice Price

$321USD/t

Published reference · Jul 1, 2026

Rough Rice Historical Unit Values

Rough rice is quoted in USD/t at USA. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.

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Rough Rice Exports and Imports

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United States led reported rough rice exports in 2025, at $303M.

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Rough Rice Specifications and Quality

Rough rice grading factors include Length/width ratio, Kernel length, and Milling degree.

Grading Factors

Quality assessment for rough rice considers Length/width ratio, Kernel length, and Milling degree.

Length/width ratio
Measures kernel shape; buyers use it to classify rice as long, medium or short grain.
Kernel length
Absolute length of the kernel; used together with ratio to define grain class.
Milling degree
Extent of bran and germ removal; indicates whether rice is undermilled, well‑milled or extra‑well‑milled.
Head rice proportion
Percentage of whole kernels above a length threshold; higher head rice yields higher price.
Broken kernel size
Classification of broken pieces (large, medium, small) that affect end‑use suitability.

Common Defects

Recorded defects for rough rice include Arsenic contamination, Insect infestation, and Excess moisture leading to mold.

Arsenic contamination
Inorganic arsenic can accumulate in paddy rice from contaminated soils or irrigation water.
Insect infestation
Live weevils or other insects may be present if storage conditions are not hygienic.
Excess moisture leading to mold
Moisture above safe limits promotes fungal growth and spoilage during storage.

Rough Rice Facts and HS Code

Rough rice belongs to rice within grains, oilseeds, oils and feed. Its customs classification covers HS 100610.

Rough Rice HS Code

Also known as	rough rice, paddy, palay
Product type	Raw
Position in the chain	Primary
Category	Rice — Grains, oilseeds, oils and feed
HS codes	100610
Quoted in	USD/t
Reference location	USA

Production & Handling

Rough rice storage guidance: Stored in clean, sturdy sacks that are sealed and kept dry to protect against moisture and pest ingress.

Production and Storage

Perishability	Medium
Temperature regime	Ambient
Storage conditions	Stored in clean, sturdy sacks that are sealed and kept dry to protect against moisture and pest ingress.
Production methods	Farmed
Processing steps	Cultivation Harvesting Drying De‑branning Milling Grading Packaging

Packaging

Typical rough rice packaging includes Sacks.

Sacks
Clean, sturdy paper or polypropylene sacks that are strongly sewn or sealed for bulk transport.

Uses & Risks

Rough rice is used in Human consumption as table rice, Rice flour for gluten‑free products, and Livestock feed.

End Uses

Human consumption as table rice
Milled rice is cooked and eaten directly as a staple food.
Rice flour for gluten‑free products
Broken kernels are ground into flour used in baby foods, noodles, breads and gluten‑free formulations.
Livestock feed
Lower‑grade rice and by‑products serve as feed for cattle and poultry.
Industrial applications
Rice starch and flour are used in biodegradable films and edible cutlery.

Uses and Related Commodities

Downstream industries	Rice milling, Seed production, Animal feed manufacturing, Food ingredient processing

Sourcing risks

Risk	Category	Severity	Mitigation
Mould growth and mycotoxin contamination Food safetyHigh Excess moisture during storage promotes mould growth, which can produce harmful toxins that persist in the grain and its by-products.	Food safety	High	Dry paddy promptly to a safe moisture level, maintain low humidity in storage, and test for mycotoxins when conditions warrant.
Stored-grain insect infestation PestHigh Insects such as weevils and borers can infest stored paddy, hollowing out kernels and reducing milling yield and quality.	Pest	High	Use clean storage facilities, apply appropriate fumigation under expert guidance, and monitor grain temperature and moisture regularly.
Moisture migration during transport LogisticsMedium Temperature changes during shipment can cause moisture to move within the grain mass, leading to hotspots and condensation.	Logistics	Medium	Use dry, well-sealed containers, avoid extreme temperature swings, and inspect the grain for condensation on arrival.

Rough Rice Questions

What is paddy rice?: Paddy rice is the unprocessed grain harvested from the rice plant, still enclosed in its inedible hull. It is the primary raw material for rice milling and is distinct from the milled white or brown rice sold at retail.
How does paddy rice differ from brown rice?: Brown rice is the whole grain after the hull is removed, leaving the bran layer intact. Paddy rice still has the hull on, which protects the grain during storage and transport but must be removed before eating.
What should a buyer check when assessing paddy rice quality?: Key factors include moisture content, chalkiness, foreign material, and grain uniformity. These affect storage stability, milling yield, and the final appearance and cooking quality of the rice.
How should paddy rice be stored to maintain quality?: Store it in a dry, well-ventilated area, protected from moisture, pests, and temperature extremes. Keep the grain off the floor and away from walls to prevent condensation and rodent access.
Can paddy rice be used directly for food?: No, paddy rice must be milled to remove the hull before it is edible. The hull is inedible and must be separated through a milling process, which also removes the bran if white rice is desired.