Harvesting

postharvest-harvestingHarvesting is the process of collecting the mature rice crop from the field. Paddy harvesting activities include reaping, stacking, handling, threshing, cleaning, and hauling. These can be done individually or a combine harvester can be used to perform the operations simultaneously.

It is important to apply good harvesting methods to be able to maximize grain yield, and minimize grain damage and quality deterioration.

Harvesting processes

harvesting-combineHarvesting rice consists of the basic operations which can be done in individual steps or in combination using a combine harvester. These include:

  • Reaping - cutting the mature panicles and straw above ground
  • Threshing - separating the paddy grain from the rest of cut crop
  • Cleaning - removing immature, unfilled, non-grain materials
  • Hauling - moving the cut crop to the threshing location
  • Field drying - leaving the cut crop in the field and exposing it to the sun for drying (optional)
  • Stacking/piling - temporarily storing the harvested crop in stacks or piles (optional)
  • Bagging - putting the threshed grain in bags for transport and storage

Traditional harvesting activities such as field drying and stacking/piling are not recommended because they can lead to rapid quality deterioration and increased harvest losses.

Besides these, a variety of other activities can be included in harvesting such as gathering, reaping (gathering standing grain by cutting), bundling, and various forms of transporting the crop and grain.


Harvesting systems

Harvesting systems

Harvesting systems vary depending on location or region, and can be done using a wide variety of traditional, semi-mechanical, and mechanical tools.

Harvesting costs

Harvesting costs

It is useful to evaluate the harvesting cost of paddy since it can make up a significant portion of the production cost of rice.

Reaping

Reaping

Reaping or cutting is the first operation in harvesting. Depending on the crop's condition, and availability of labor or machinery, cutting can be done either manually or mechanically.

Threshing

Threshing

Threshing is the process of separating the grain from the straw. It can be either done by hand, by using a treadle thresher or mechanized.

Measuring moisture content

Measuring moisture content

Different moisture contents are required per postproduction operation. These should be followed to ensure good quality of paddy.

Cleaning

Cleaning

Grain cleaning will improve the drying, the storability of grain, reduce dockage at time of milling, and improve milling output and quality; while, seed cleaning will reduce damage by disease, and improve yields.

Combine harvesting

Combine harvesting

Combine harvesting combines several operations into one: cutting the crop, feeding it into threshing mechanism, threshing, cleaning, and discharging rain into a bulk wagon or directly into a bags. 

FAQs on harvesting

FAQs on harvesting

Find out answers to frequently asked questions about harvesting.