SCIENCE CITY OF MUÑOZ (PIA) — The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) recommends the proper postharvest management of rice.
This is in line with the agency’s PalayCheck System, specifically Key Check 9, which focuses on proper drying, cleaning, and storing of rice grains.
PhilRice Rice Engineering and Mechanization Division Science Research Specialist Tyrone Juganas emphasized that proper postharvest practices can help maintain the quality of grains, preserve rice suitable for milling, control losses, and prolong the storage life of rice.
“Our target is to maintain the quality of grains because if this continues to decline, the income of our farmers will decrease. We also need to do postharvest processing to control losses that cannot be avoided because our commercial rice will deteriorate in quality if storage or postharvest processing is not addressed,” he added.
As such, PhilRice provided general recommendations for postharvest management of rice.
In proper drying of rice grains, farmers are advised to dry the rice for 12 to 24 hours after harvesting using a combine harvester to maintain its quality.
They are likewise encouraged to use mechanical dryers at temperature not exceeding 50 to 70 degrees Celsius for six to eight hours of operation.
However, if a mechanical dryer is unavailable, farmers may sun-dry rice grains on clean concrete pavement.
Juganas noted that the grains should be stirred at least once every 30 minutes for uniform drying and not be drenched with rain.
In rice grain storage, on the other hand, it is suggested to place dried grains on top of palettes to protect them from dampness while awaiting grain cleaning.
“Use clean containers or sacks with plastic lining. Ensure that the correct label is placed inside and outside the sack. Also, temporarily storing dried rice before cleaning should not exceed three days,” he stressed.
Moreover, farmers are urged to clean the dried rice within two to three days. If using a grain cleaner, its operation should be monitored to avoid waste or losses.
“Before using the grain cleaner, ensure it is clean and free from any grain left from the previous operation. Then, remove the chaff or unfilled grains and straw, which have high moisture content that causes hot spots inside the sack,” Juganas noted.
Meanwhile, if not sold immediately, farmers are advised to keep the dried rice in a clean warehouse or storage area that is waterproof, well-ventilated, and free from pests such as rats, birds, and insects.
It is recommended to never store clean, dried grains together with agricultural chemicals, fertilizers, or cement in the same storage area.
“Keep the storage area clean and ensure that air can circulate to prevent moisture from entering the stored grains, to utilize the storage space efficiently, and to ease product maintenance and management,” Juganas pressed.
Farmers are likewise urged to handle the sacks carefully to avoid tearing them and use sack barrows if available.
Lastly, preparing the stack layout plan before the sacks of grain arrive is also suggested.
Juganas emphasized the importance of avoiding mixing different varieties and old and new stocks in one stack or pile, as well as the need for air circulation below pallets.
“Stack only six to seven sacks high to prevent collapse. Do not stack the sacks up to the ceiling as it can be dangerous for warehouse staff and it will also be difficult to retrieve the rice if that is the setup in the warehouse,” he stressed.
By following these recommendations, farmers can expect high-quality grains, minimal crop losses, and preserved viability, which may result in increased income and ensured supply of good-quality rice.
For additional information, farmers may contact the PhilRice text center hotline at 0917-111-7423 or visit the official website at www.philrice.gov.ph. (CLJD/MAECR, PIA Region 3- Nueva Ecija)
