Sudu Heenati (Traditional Rice)

Sudu Heenati is one of Sri Lanka's cherished traditional rice varieties, recognised by the distinctive whitish-straw colour of its paddy — a trait that gives the variety its name. Despite that pale outer husk, the grain itself is a bold, deep red, making it visually striking and setting it apart from many modern cultivars.

Today, Sudu Heenati is widely cultivated across all parts of Sri Lanka, a testament to its adaptability and the enduring appreciation farmers have for its qualities. It is also reported to perform well as an organic crop, making it a variety of growing interest as Sri Lanka explores more sustainable approaches to agriculture.

Growing Characteristics

The culm of the Sudu Heenati plant develops to approximately 135 cm in height, giving it a relatively tall and sturdy stature in the paddy field. One of its practical advantages is a relatively short growing cycle — the crop can be harvested within 4 months from seeding, which allows farmers to plan their agricultural calendar with a degree of flexibility.

Yield

In terms of productivity, Sudu Heenati offers a potential yield of around 60 to 80 bushels per acre. This range reflects the variety's capacity to reward attentive cultivation, whether under conventional or organic farming practices.