Rice reach harvesting stage normally 4-5 months after planting. The crop is harvested when 80-85% of the grains turns straw colour.

The maturity stage can be confirmed by selecting the most mature tiller and de-husking a few grains. Grains should be firm but not brittle when squeezed between the teeth.

The grain moisture content ideally should be between 20-25% at harvest time.  If the crop is too dry, fissures will form in dry kernels.  And when these are rewetted, they will break when milled.

In dry season, the optimum time of harvest is 28 to 35 days after heading. In wet season, optimum time is 32 to 38 days after heading. Drain the field 7 to 10 days before the expected harvest date to hasten maturity.

Harvest the crop, thresh and winnow the grains. Dry the grains to 12% moisture level for storage. Maturity may be hastened by 3-4 days by spraying 20 % NaCl a week before harvest to escape monsoon rains.