The state of rice postharvest handling

and processing technologies in Uganda

S. Okurut, A. Candia, M. Masette, T.E. Oker, A. Komakech and J.

Mudusu

Why the study

• PHH methods

• PHP machinery

• knowledge and skills in PHHP

• Low quality

• Markets

Purpose of the study

Identify and assess condition of rice

Post Harvest Handling and Processing

(PHHP) methods and technologies

commonly used by farmers and

millers

Identification and Assessment

Farmers - 408Rice Millers - 297Key Informants-161Whole Sellers- 3

Face-to-face FGDsObservations:

Rice farmsRice mills

Harvesting

99.8% Sickles/knives 0.2% Combines

87.6% cut at base11.6% cut head0.8% strip

Threshing

• 98.9% beating sticks

• 0.9% portable threshers

• 0.2% combine

harvesters

Drying

• 100% open sun

•93.9% tarpaulin

•2.5% concrete

floor

•4% hard soil

surface

Problem: Thin layer drying

Cleaning

100% traditional winnower in air current

Small Rice Mills

• Mill tops – 156• North, West and Central

• Englebergs – 580

• Eastern

Medium and Large Rice Mills

Large Mill• 1 only• Computerized

Medium Mill• 13• Not

Computerized

Safety and Hygiene at small mills

Conclusion

•Improve and promote appropriate

PHP machinery

•Enhance technical skills of

stakeholders