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