Post-harvest losses of paddy in the krian/sungei manik areas

M.Y. Rohani. S.A. Shariffah Norin and A. Samsudin

Abstract

This study was conducted in the Krian/Sungei Manik area to quantify the losses that occurred at various stages in the paddy post-harvest system. It also aimed to identify problem areas so that adoption of improved post-harvest technologies could, be recommended to minimize the losses. The study revealed that losses during threshing were much higher than cutting losses. As much as 13.7% of the grains were lost during threshing mainly due to unthreshed grains being thrown away with the straws. Losses during cutting were about 5.17o mainly due to shattering of the grains during cutting and bundling operation. Losses at mill levels were mainly attributed to grain breakage. About 6.7% and 3.7% reduction in head r ice yield were observed in the small (<2 tonnes) and large (2-5 tonnes) mills respectively. The main factors responsible for these breakage were the types of mills, handling and milling operations, and improper adjustments of the milling machineries. Losses during storage were estimated by the millers to be about 1.1% mainly due to the deteriorative effect caused by moulds, insects and rodents.

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