SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ (PIA) — The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PHilMech) underscores the proper use of mechanical rice dryers to help farmers in maintaining the grain quality, especially during the rainy season.
PHilMech Technology Management and Training Division Science Research Specialist Mark Bernard Vidad explained that proper drying helps prevent quality deterioration and results in better rice output and higher market prices for dry palay.
“Proper drying is essential in every stage of handling palay because it prevents quality deterioration and ensures better rice recovery. When dried correctly, the grains do not break easily during milling,” Vidad said.
He said the ideal moisture content before milling or storage is 14 percent to keep the palay stable for longer periods.
For seed production, the ideal moisture content should be between 12 and 14 percent, while for long-term storage, it can go as low as 9 to 10 percent.
He added that mechanical drying ensures controlled heat and airflow, allowing faster and uniform drying compared to traditional sun-drying methods.
Vidad pointed out that using mechanical dryers also helps reduce postharvest losses caused by spillage, rain exposure, and other physical factors.
“Using our mechanical dryer ensures controlled drying, preventing weight loss from improper drying and eliminating physical losses from sun-drying, such as grains lost to wind, vehicles, or handling,” he stressed.
Additionally, he said the PHilMech distributes batch-type recirculating dryers under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund Mechanization Program, each capable of drying 6 to 12 tons of palay per batch.
To maximize the equipment’s lifespan, Vidad advises farmers to conduct regular maintenance such as lubricating moving parts, cleaning the furnace and blowers, and checking for blockages or holes in the ducts.
“For maintenance, we lubricate moving parts like chains and motors, clean the furnace and blowers to remove accumulated dirt, and check the palay ducts for any blockages or holes.” Vidad emphasized.
He also reminded operators to clean the dryer before and after use to prevent animals like birds or rats from nesting inside the unit.
PHilMech continues to promote postharvest technologies that improve grain quality, minimize losses, and support farmers’ productivity across the country. (CLJD/MCAL, PIA Region 3–Nueva Ecija GIP)
