New Crop: Rice & Long Grain Rice

Here’s the thing about rice in Farming Simulator 25: Not all rice is the same. There are two different types – long grain rice and what we just call “rice”. How about we take a closer look at the differences between them?

Rice and long grain rice need different water levels, machines to sow and harvest, and seeds, of course. Long grain rice isn’t sown in water like the other one. Instead, the rice paddy for long grain rice gets flooded AFTER the sowing, not before. But let’s start at the beginning!

Rice Paddies

oth types of rice are planted or sown in rice fields (also called rice paddies) – that’s a special type of field deepened to allow for water retention. That’s why you require open space on your land.

Via the build menu, you start the creation process. Instead of just placing down a field, you can shape it in any size or form.

Rice Greenhouses

This one is optional – you can buy saplings at the dealership. Or you build a special greenhouse dedicated to cultivating rice saplings. If your agricultural ambitions rely on increased rice production, you should look at growing them yourself.

Planting & Harvesting Rice

Here’s the equipment you need to plant and harvest rice: You need a tractor, a cultivator, a specialized rice planter as well as a harvester, and a trailer. Some lime should also be in storage – but for the end of the whole process. Rice fields are pre-limed when you build them, which is why you don’t need to apply it in the beginning.

Activate the water pump to flood the field, then plant the saplings. Since the rice planter will take care of fertilization, you don’t need an additional fertilizer spreader like with other crops.

The pump will automatically provide the correct amount of water. Just check your water pump daily to maintain the proper level, or you will lose seedlings and yield. All the water will be soaked up by the thirsty plants by the end of the growth cycle.

When the rice is mature, harvest it and decide whether to sell it, store it, or process it into products. To grow another batch of rice, apply lime to the field and cultivate the paddy after harvesting. Lime is only needed after a few harvests. Check the field info to see if it is needed!

Sowing & Harvesting Long Grain Rice

With long grain rice, you don’t need any water to sow your plant just yet. Long grain rice is sown dry. Just fill your seeder with seeds and start sowing one row after another until the whole paddy is covered.

After that, you flood the rice field and need to maintain different water levels at different growth stages. Don’t worry, the pump will only allow just the right amount of water. Check your water pump daily to maintain the proper level. If you don’t, you will lose some of your rice saplings.

Once the plant is ready to harvest and has consumed all the fresh, yummy water, just head over to your harvester and hop in! Your standard combine with a grain header will do the job.

Sell it, store it, or process it further at select production plants. But we’re not done yet! To cultivate another batch of rice, apply lime to the field and cultivate the paddy with a cultivator.

Growth Stages

Rice (Oryza sativa) is a staple food crop that grows in a variety of environments, with numerous cultivars adapted to different conditions. The growth stages of rice can be broadly categorized into vegetative, reproductive, and ripening phases. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of these stages, including specific details about long grain rice varieties:

Vegetative Phase

Germination and Emergence:
- The growth process begins with the germination of the rice seed, typically within 5-7 days after planting. The seedling emerges from the soil, displaying the first leaf, known as the coleoptile.
Seedling Development:
- During this stage, the rice plant produces its first true leaves and begins to establish a root system. The plant is still relatively small and vulnerable to environmental stresses.
Tillering:
- As the plant grows, it develops tillers, which are additional stems that grow from the base of the plant. Tillers are crucial for increasing the plant’s productivity, as each tiller can produce a panicle, which will later bear the rice grains.
Leaf Development:
- New leaves continue to emerge from the stem, and the plant grows taller. Proper irrigation and nutrition are essential during this phase to support robust growth.

Reproductive Phase

Panicle Initiation:
- The transition from the vegetative to the reproductive phase is marked by the initiation of the panicle, the structure that will bear the rice grains. This stage is often referred to as heading.
Booting:
- During the booting stage, the flag leaf sheath (the sheath of the last leaf) swells as the developing panicle grows inside. This is a critical period for nutrient and water management.
Heading:
- The panicle emerges from the flag leaf sheath, becoming visible above the plant. This stage is a critical moment for determining the potential yield, as the number of spikelets (small flowers) that develop into grains is influenced by environmental conditions and nutrient availability.
Flowering:
- The spikelets on the panicle open and self-pollinate. This stage is highly sensitive to temperature and humidity, with ideal conditions promoting successful pollination.

Ripening Phase

Milk Stage:
- After pollination, the fertilized spikelets develop into rice grains. The grains initially contain a milky substance, which is why this stage is called the milk stage.
Dough Stage:
- As the grains mature, the milky substance solidifies into a dough-like consistency. The grains begin to fill with starch and nutrients.
Mature Stage:
- The grains reach full maturity, changing color from green to golden yellow. At this point, the grains are ready for harvest. Proper timing of harvest is crucial to ensure the highest quality and yield.

Rice

Long Grain Rice

Long grain rice varieties, such as Basmati and Jasmine rice, have elongated grains that are about four to five times longer than their width. The growth stages for long grain rice are similar to those of other rice varieties, but there are some key differences:

Tillering:
- Long grain rice varieties often produce fewer tillers compared to short and medium grain varieties. However, the tillers they do produce are typically more robust and productive.
Grain Development:
- The grains of long grain rice varieties are characteristically slender and elongated. Proper nutrition and environmental conditions are crucial to ensure the grains develop to their full potential length.
Harvesting:
- Long grain rice is typically harvested when the grains are fully mature and have reached their characteristic length. Ensuring the grains are properly dried and stored is essential to maintain their quality and prevent breakage.

Understanding these growth stages is vital for farmers to provide the appropriate care, such as irrigation, fertilization, and pest control, at the right times to ensure a successful and high-quality harvest.