Black rice is gaining ground among producers.

With a dark grain, distinctive composition, and an already established presence in specialized markets, the rice Black grapes occupy a prominent place in high-quality gastronomy, especially in preparations such as risottos and other dishes that highlight distinctive ingredients. In the Northwest Fluminense region, their cultivation finds technical support and favorable conditions, favoring the growth of demand, creating new opportunities and, at the same time, challenges for those who produce them.

Black rice cultivation in the region has been monitored since the first evaluations carried out in the 2017/2018 harvests in the municipalities of Italva and Laje do Muriaé. Among the materials tested was SCS 120 Onix, a black pericarp rice cultivar that showed good adaptation to local conditions. The BRS 902 cultivar, with a red pericarp, was also evaluated.

According to Pesagro-Rio researcher Silvino Amorim Neto, who has been studying rice cultivation for over five decades, both cultivars showed average productivity exceeding 4 tons per hectare in the systems evaluated.

"Both cultivars adapted very well to the soil and climate conditions in the North and Northwest Fluminense regions, with average yields above 4 t/ha in the production system."

A grain that already has its market.

Black rice has already carved out a niche for itself among consumers seeking distinctive products, especially in haute cuisine. Its appearance, texture, and unique characteristics make it ideal for use in preparations such as risottos and other dishes found in specialty restaurants.

In the Italva region, according to Silvino, the product is currently sold for around R$ 50 per kilo, while red rice reaches approximately R$ 40.

The grain is also sold at agricultural fairs, cooperatives, restaurants, and at the State University of Northern Rio de Janeiro (UENF).

This specific market helps explain the differentiated value achieved by the product. For Silvino, "black rice, due to its high market value, adds value to the family farming production system, increasing the producer's revenue."

Demand is growing, but production has its challenges.

The experience of farmer Benise Freitas, from Fazenda da Penha, in Formosia, Italva, concretely demonstrates how this demand has been increasing.

Recently, a company from São Paulo contacted Benise interested in purchasing two tons of black rice. However, the farmer was unable to fulfill the order because her entire production for the year was already planned.

For her, the episode also highlights one of the main challenges currently faced by those who produce in rural areas: the lack of qualified labor.

"We complain a lot about this, about the labor force, especially skilled labor, because people don't have it today. In rural areas, to work, to produce quality work, you have to rely on the help of family and friends who enjoy producing."

Benise explains that, on his property, the chosen production system does not use chemicals to control weeds and does not employ chemical fertilizers.

“We give up all of that; we want a quality product. That's why our rice has no added chemicals, no fertilizer, nothing. Thank God, our land is very good, we have plenty of water, but that's how we produce it.”

For the farmer, this model requires more work and makes the availability of trained personnel even more important.

"Today, there is a labor shortage, especially for rural producers, who are the most affected of all. Not that other sectors don't have this shortage, but we, in rural areas, have a much greater shortage, unfortunately."

The experience of Fazenda da Penha thus demonstrates one of the challenges of an expanding market: there are interested buyers and demand for larger volumes, but increased production also depends on the availability of skilled labor and the ability to maintain the cultivation standards adopted by the property.

A family story

At Fazenda da Penha, rice is more than just a crop. It's part of a family history that began with Benise's parents, Benedito and Enedina.

Benise and Antônio Carlos currently maintain the production of black and red rice on their property. The cultivation of black rice began more than eight years ago, after a meeting with Pesagro-Rio and Emater of Italva.

“This is the gourmet black rice that we have been producing for over eight years. We source the seeds from Pesagro and have been producing it ever since. It is a rice rich in fiber, has vitamins, is an antioxidant, and is a wonderful product with which you can create completely different dishes. You can make cakes, pancakes, fritters, and also use it in your daily diet. In addition to all this, it is a rice that has many nutrients that are beneficial to our health.”

On the property, the product is sold at fairs and also reaches the local gastronomy. The family's experience shows how a crop can cater to different markets, from domestic consumption to more elaborate gastronomic preparations.

Grain characteristics

The dark color of black rice is related to the presence of anthocyanins, bioactive compounds belonging to the flavonoid group. Scientific studies also identify dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phenolic compounds in the grain.

Data from the Agronomic Institute of Campinas (IAC) regarding the IAC 600 cultivar recorded 9.711 tf/4g of crude protein and 2.021 tf/4g of fiber. In comparison, brown rice presented 7.041 tf/4g of protein and 1.421 tf/4g of fiber. The composition may vary according to the cultivar and production conditions. These characteristics, associated with appearance and possibilities of use, contribute to consumer interest and the presence of black rice in specialized markets.

From research to the field.

Work with rice cultivation continued over the years. In the 2020/2021 harvest, activities were carried out with 35 rural producers in the Northwest Fluminense region. At the State Center for Research in Agroenergy and Waste Utilization, in Campos dos Goytacazes, 13 irrigated rice cultivars and lines were evaluated through studies by researcher Silvino.

Among the materials evaluated was again the SCS 120 Onix, with black pericarp, alongside the BRS 902, with red pericarp, and traditional varieties. More recently, a new black pericarp cultivar was incorporated into the tests. According to Silvino, the BRAS-705, from CNPAF-Embrapa, showed productivity exceeding 5 tons per hectare in the irrigated system during the 2025/2026 crop season.

According to the researcher, the results of the work carried out so far indicate the possibility of achieving yields exceeding 6 tons per hectare with the available technologies.

In the 2026/2027 harvest, producer Benise de Freitas is expected to expand the area cultivated with black rice, according to Silvino.

Red rice is also part of this story. Although black rice stands out for its market value and growing demand, red rice is also part of the work being done in the region.

BRS 902 was one of the cultivars evaluated in experiments initiated in 2017/2018. Like black rice, red rice began to be cultivated by producers and marketed in specific markets.

Both materials are part of a set of alternatives for diversifying rice production and exploring niche markets, especially among family farmers.

In the case of black rice, the combination of an already established market, a differentiated price, and growing demand presents new challenges for production. The experience of farmers like Benise shows that there are interested buyers, including from outside the state, but it also highlights the need for planning and a skilled workforce to expand cultivation.