PROJECT IN POST-HARVEST
HANDLING PRACTICES
RICE MILLING AND DRYING
FACILITIES
Submitted by: Padayao, Sugabo, Atanoso, Espada,
Lamban
Submitted to: Sir. Jerson Munasque
INTRODUCTION
Post-harvest handling in rice milling and drying facilities is essential for maintaining grain
quality and reducing losses. Right after harvest, rice grains contain high moisture, which
makes them vulnerable to spoilage, discoloration, and fungal growth. Proper drying
techniques—whether sun drying or mechanical—help bring moisture levels down to safe
thresholds, ensuring the rice remains edible and marketable. Efficient milling processes also
play a key role in preserving the value of rice. When done correctly, milling minimizes
broken grains and removes impurities, resulting in a cleaner, more appealing product. This
not only boosts the rice’s commercial value but also improves its cooking quality and shelf
life, making it more desirable to consumers and traders. Beyond quality and economics,
good post-harvest practices support food security and sustainability. By reducing waste and
preventing spoilage, farmers and processors can maximize yield from each harvest. In
regions where rice is a staple, like the Philippines, this means more stable food supplies and
better livelihoods for farming communities.
METHODOLOGY
Our group, composed of five members, visited the rice milling business to conduct
an observation and short interview with a rice mill owner. We went to Banga South
Cotabato and conducted a survey on how their rice mill operates and what are the
common problems that occures in their business. We interviewed the owner mr.
Eduardo Prado on how their workers operates their milling machine.
FINDINGS/RESULTS
*Drying practices observed
- We have observed that they are still using Traditional rice drying, on their rice
milling areas they still rely on sun drying, where freshly harvested grains are spread
out on mats, concrete pavements or dryer. This method is cost-effective and
accessible, especially for small-scale farmers, but it’s highly dependent on weather
conditions and can expose the rice to contamination, uneven drying, or loss due to
animals and vehicles. Despite its limitations, sun drying remains popular because it
requires no machinery and allows farmers to manage post-harvest processing
themselves. Another common practice is field drying, where rice stalks are bundled
and left to dry in the field before threshing. This method helps reduce moisture
content gradually but can lead to grain shattering or quality deterioration if left too
long. While modern mechanical dryers offer faster and more controlled drying,
traditional methods persist due to their simplicity and low cost, especially in rural
communities where access to technology is limited. These age-old techniques reflect
the resilience and resourcefulness of farmers who adapt to their environment and
available resources.
*Milling process observe.
The traditional rice milling process begins with drying the harvested paddy under the
sun to reduce moisture content. Once dried, the grains are manually husked using
wooden pounders, stone grinders, or foot-operated tools to separate the outer husk
from the rice kernel. This method is labor-intensive but preserves the natural aroma,
texture, and nutritional value of the rice, making it highly valued in rural
communities. After husking, the rice is winnowed—often by tossing it in woven
baskets—to remove the husk and other impurities. The final product is hand-
polished or lightly pounded again to achieve a cleaner appearance. Though slower
than modern milling techniques, this process reflects deep cultural traditions and
fosters community involvement, especially during harvest seasons
* Storage Methods Observe.
In the rice milling business, storage has an important role in
maintaining grain quality and ensuring operational efficiency. Paddy
rice is typically stored in large silos or ventilated warehouses after
drying to reduce moisture content, which helps prevent mold and
insect infestation. These facilities often include temperature and
humidity controls, especially in commercial setups, to preserve the
integrity of the grain before milling. Proper handling during this stage is crucial
to avoid post-harvest losses and maintain a consistent supply for
processing. Once rice is milled, the finished product—whether brown
or white rice—is stored in clean, dry, and pest-free environments.
Businesses often use polypropylene bags, airtight containers, or
bulk bins depending on the scale of operations. Warehouses are
organized to allow easy access and inventory rotation, with some
adopting modern practices like pallet racking and barcode tracking.
Good storage not only protects rice from spoilage but also supports
quality assurance and market readiness.
* Problems Encountered
Traditional rice storage often faces challenges like pest infestation and
moisture buildup. Rodents and insects such as weevils can easily
penetrate loosely packed sacks or bamboo granaries, contaminating
the rice and reducing its quality. Without proper drying, stored rice
retains moisture, which encourages mold growth and spoilage. These
issues are especially common in humid climates where temperature
control is difficult, and traditional storage structures lack insulation or
ventilation. Another common problem is the degradation of rice quality
over time. Exposure to heat and fluctuating humidity can cause
discoloration, loss of aroma, and nutrient depletion—especially in
brown rice, which contains oils that turn rancid more quickly. Poor
packaging materials like jute bags or open containers also allow for
contamination and odor absorption from nearby substances. To
improve storage, communities often turn to airtight bins, natural pest
repellents like neem leaves, and better drying practices before storing
the rice.
Analysis/Discussion.
*Ano ang strength ng practices nila?
- Mas maganda ang post-harvest handling nila dahil mas mabilis silang
nakakapag benta ng kanilang bigas na may mas mataas na kalidad na binabalik-
balikan nang kanilang mga customer.
* Ano ang weaknesses o kulang?
- Ang pinakamalaking weakness nang kanilang negosyo ay ang pag pasok ng mga
imported na bigas, dahil dito matagal bago nila na e bebenta ang kanilang
producto. Kung may kakulangan man ito ay dahil sa goberno at pag papapasok
ng mga impoted na bigas na nakikipag kompitensya sa mga lokal na mag sasaka.
* Impact nito sa quality ng bigas.
- Dahil maganda ang post-harvest handling nila mas marami at mas maganda
ang na epapalabas nilang mga bigas.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION.
Post-harvest handling in rice milling plays an important role in preserving grain
quality and minimizing losses. It begins with timely harvesting, followed by
proper threshing, cleaning, and drying to reduce moisture content and prevent
spoilage. These early steps are essential to ensure the rice remains safe and
marketable during storage and milling. Storage and milling are equally important
stages. Rice should be stored in clean, dry, and pest-free environments using
hermetic bags or sealed containers. Milling must be done with well-maintained
equipment to reduce broken grains and improve yield. Efficient milling not only
enhances the appearance and texture of rice but also boosts its commercial
value. To improve post-harvest outcomes, farmers and millers should adopt
modern technologies, receive proper training, and follow quality standards.
Investing in solar dryers, mechanical threshers, and upgraded milling machines
can significantly reduce waste and improve profitability. With better post-
harvest practices, rice producers in regions like Koronadal can strengthen food
security and increase their income.
DOCUMENTATION.