Paddy loss assessment and reduction in on-farm operations

• Main Authors: Paz, R.R, Cabacungan, R.P. (National Post-harvest Inst. for Research and Extension. Munoz, Nueva Ecija (Philippines))
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Manila (Philippines) 01.12.1987
• Subjects: ARROZ; BATTAGE; PERDIDAS; PERTE; RIZ; SECADO; SECHAGE; TECHNOLOGIE APRES RECOLTE; TECNOLOGIA POSTCOSECHA; TRILLA

The assessment revealed a significant reduction of about 3.08% in quantitative grain losses in the threshing and drying operations. Use of the mechanical reaper, because of the greater motion it applies and because of the unsuitability of the field and crop conditions to the reaper's operation, resulted in more shattered kernels and unharvested paddy panicles. Better paddy quality resulted when the new facilities were used. In the experiment simulating delays in threshing and drying, the Grade 1 initial quality of paddy deteriorated to Grade 2 and Grade 3 classifications in a delay of just two to four days. Economic indicators showed profitability and high returns on investment for the new improved facilities. Payback periods, breakeven points and cost-benefit ratios favored adoption at the customer-service investor or farm-cooperative levels. Eight combinations of traditional and improved methods were identified to comprise the general alternative post-harvest systems. Economic justification in the selection of the most appropriate combinations was made using the cost-benefit analysis for all systems. Guidelines for an in-depth social study to test the post-harvest systems' social acceptability and usefulness were recommended.