Harvesting is the process of
collecting the mature rice crop from the field. Harvesting at the right
time and in the right way maximizes grain yield and minimizes grain
losses and quality deterioration. The post-harvesting operations of
paddy crop and the storage of grains are as much important as producing
the crop, because post-harvesting technology affects the quantity and
quality of paddy and the finished product, that is, rice. Generally,
losses in paddy and rice during the post-harvest operations amount to
about 10% of field production. It is, therefore, necessary to adopt
proper technology after harvesting the crop for the improvement of the
quantity and quality of paddy and rice.
Post production includes all operations starting from harvesting up to
grading and the stages are interdependent.
The various steps involved are as folllows :
