Grain Quality In The Pre-Milling Phase

Abstract

The rice processing sector has become more globally competitive in recent years. It has been an important part of SunRice’s business goals to raise our quality practices to a world leading standard. Quality assurance measurement and maintenance is a vital part of all operations, at every stage of rice production, from farm to consumer. Grain quality in the pre-milling phase has looked at many facets pertaining to improvements and optimisation of operations in the post-harvest phase of rice receival. Over the past few years these studies have allowed an understanding and adoption of best practice within SunRice operations. Of the many areas trialed, SunRice has adapted practices to accommodate those that have shown the ability to optimise cost benefits, enhance quality of grain and improve point of receival testing practices. Additionally, many projects have led to expansion in trials as have the learnings been adopted in other projects. The aims of the projects that have spanned the past seven years have provided growers with a better indication of crop quality during harvest and have allowed more effective segregation of paddy rice within SunRice storages. At point of receival, studies in crop quality such as trash, storage aeration, green grains, image analysis, and moisture variance have been explored resulting in improved testing methods and the ability to capture a greater understanding for segregation purposes. This allows SunRice to optimize the use of higher quality grain by reducing chances of contamination with lower quality grain. Additionally these studies have benefited the grower by providing a greater indication of their crop quality thought the harvesting process. Combined, a greater bearing on best practice has resulted, for the growing, storage and production of rice. More recent studies have concentrated on similar improvements in point of receival testing and storage quality optimization by grasping fresh advances in grain handling and technology. This has ensured stored rice is kept at the best possible standard. Overall, the greater understanding captured throughout these trials has largely benefited the sustainability of rice production.