Post-harvest Management

Important procedures for post-harvest

Important equipment for post-harvest

Dry the paddy uniformly using a mechanical dryer with 12-14 hours after harvest to achieve 12-14% MC.

• Sun drying may also done within 48 hours after harvest if mechanical dryer is not available.
• Sun drying may be done on clean concrete pavements or tarpaulins
• Stir the paddy every 30 minutes to ensure uniform drying
• Avoid drenching grains under the rain

• Place the dried paddy on pallets to avoid the damping of grains while waiting for cleaning
• Line the pallets with plastic sacks before stacking properly 
• If there’s more than one variety harvested, label the sacks properly. 
• Avoid mixing of varieties 

• Clean the dried grains 2-3 days after harvest to remove chaff, unfilled grains, straw, and other materials. 
• If grain cleaner is used, regulate the speed to minimize losses. 
• Clean the machine every time after use to minimize contamination of other varieties (especially for seeds)

• If grains are not sold immediately, store the grains in a waterproof, pest-proof, and well-ventilated storehouse. 
• Sanitize the storage house and keep it away pests such as birds, rodents, and insects
• Arrange pallets for easy stacking and retrieval of sacks
• Properly label the paddy lots 

• Check the stored grains for heating by lifting the top bag and checking the bags below for increased temperature.
• Inspect bags regularly for pest damage and/or moisture. Stained bags indicates re-wetting of the grains 
• Always keep the storage area clean and do not store the paddy together with agrochemicals and fertilizers.