TRADITIONAL DRYING OF RICE

(SUN-DRYING)

When rice is harvested, it will contain up to 25% moisture. It is important to dry rice
grain as soon as possible after harvesting— ideally within 24 hours. Delays in drying,
incomplete drying or ineffective drying will reduce grain quality and result in losses. Clean
the grains before drying to avoid uneven drying and wet spots. Dry paddy grains within 12–
24 hours after cutting as even short-term storage of high moisture grain can cause quality
deterioration. Grains should be dried to a certain moisture content (MC) depending on
storage period to avoid potential problems:

Types of Sun Drying

 Mat drying - used in small to medium-scale drying where threshed grain are placed on mats,
nets, or canvas
 Pavement drying - often used in large-scale drying for grain collectors and millers, where grains
are laid on pavements specifically made for drying

Steps and Limitations in Sun Drying

 Spread the grains in thin layers, ideally 2−4 cm but less than 5 cm.
 For faster drying, place the grains/panicles in well-aerated or windy areas.
 Mix grain frequently (at least every 30 minutes).
 Monitor grain temperature and MC using thermometers and moisture meters.
 Shade or cover the grain when grain temperatures are above 50ºC (42ºC for seeds).
 To prevent cracking, collect or cover the grain during rain and at night.
 To minimize cracking, use sun drying for first stage drying (i.e., removal of water from the outer
layer of the grain) to 18% MC. Such grain can be safely stored for two weeks. Then use other
drying systems for drying from 18−14% MC.
 Keep animals off the grain.
 Avoid drying grain on public roads as the grain gets dirty, traffic is hindered, and it can cause
accidents.
 Not possible during rain or at night. Delays in drying lead to excessive respiration and fungal
growth causing grain losses and yellowing.
 Labor intensive and has limited capacity.
 Temperature control is difficult. Overheating of grains can result in low milling quality caused
by cracked grains.

Requirement in Sun Drying of Rice

ITEM QUANTITY PRICE IMAGE

1. Rake or 2-3 pcs.
Pangsuro

2. Grain 1
Moisture
Meter
3. (Pangsake 1-2 pcs
)

4. Sacks TBA Php 100.00/10 pcs (for

50kg)

Link:
https://shopee.ph/(10-
PIECES)-SAKO-NG-
FEEDS-PALAY-
USED-PANG-50-KG-
MATIBAY-
i.965434975.231479664
66?xptdk=8fe3c844-
32e9-4540-b687-
ca376c9c0c0d
5. Blue TBA Php 20.00/bundle
Twine (90cm)
(Pangtali)
https://shopee.ph/Blue-
Vegetable-Twine-
Panali-Leting-(90-cm)-
i.965434975.219907138
25?xptdk=90c85ed5-
5ca4-47a8-b9f8-
63cd0c42672c

6. Sack 1-3 pcs.

Packing
Needles Php 9.00/pc

Link:
https://shopee.ph/Karay
om-ng-sako-Pangtahi-
ng-sako-straight-or-
inclined-Sold-per-piece-
theplanter-
i.308099833.114413113
38
 7. Mats or TBA
Trapal
(Optional)

8. Kartilya

References

1. Rice Knowledge Bank. Traditional drying systems. Retrieved from:

http://www.knowledgebank.irri.org/step-by-step-production/postharvest/drying/
traditional-drying-systems (09/06/2023)