Introduction to paddy dry
Paddy drying
The moisture content of the harvested paddy is usually 25-28 %, therefore, there is need to dry to 14% moisture content (mc) before milling, storing and selling.
o dry the paddy to 13-14 % mc, 14 % is good for milling while 13% is recommended for storage
o spread paddy 2-3 cm on cement floor or canvas sheet
o turn the paddy after every 30 minutes to ensure even drying
o Sun-dry slowly for 2-3 days for the paddy to dry depending on the weather conditions, to reduce breakage during milling.
o On a clear bright day, sun-dry for one day (about 9-10 hours) only by spreading paddy thinly on clean concrete floors, mats or tarpaulin.
o Avoid drying on bare floors or roadside, the main source of contamination with sand pebbles, stones and other foreign matter that can reduce the quality of Rice.
o Use a mechanical drier if available
o after drying, paddy should be stored in sisal or jute bags in a room.
o Electric drying is expensive. However, some large scale farmers have used the method.
Purpose of drying
- To reduce moisture for.
- Safe for storage
- Safe for milling
Drying basics
- Dry immediately after harvesting to prevent fermentation of rice grains
- Drying should take a maximum of 3 days under sun drying.
- The drying floor should be clean and free from contact with moisture.
- Use clean polythene sheets in the absence of a drying floor
- Get enough labour to assist in drying if it is sun drying.
- In mechanical drying clean the drier of previously dried paddy
Drying methods
- Sun drying
- Use of Mechanical driers
- Examples of driers
- Drier components
