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Paddy is the term used to refer to harvested rice that is still encased in its hull. Paddy is one of those crops grown in flooded fields, also called paddies.
Although rice is a staple food grown and consumed worldwide, it is mainly cultivated in Asian countries. Paddy fields or paddies refer to flooded agricultural areas used for wet rice farming. Rice is generally cultivated in low-lying areas or terraces. Rice has a special feature of being able to grow in saline and alkaline water, making it easier for farmers to flood their fields and even control weeds' growth. In this respect, rice also plays a significant role in the ecosystem, supporting biodiversity. For this reason, paddies may house various organisms, including snails, tadpoles, fish, frogs, insects, and birds. Once the rice is ripe and harvested, the paddy field transforms into a dry and barren land.
There are several methods used to convert paddy rice into consumable rice, including the following:
Wet milling
The process involves soaking the rice in water for three to four days and then boiling it. Once the process is complete, the boiled rice is dried in the sun. The method removes about 35% of the hull and is generally used for minor rice varieties.
Dry milling
Dry milling is the most common method used to produce brown rice or unpolished rice. It involves the use of a de-husker that removes the outer hull or husk of the paddy rice. The rice is then processed through a series of classifiers and whitening machines to remove the bran layer and polish it further. The process is also used to make white rice. The method has become quite popular among large-scale rice producers trying to meet the demands of the commercial rice market.
Dry milling is done both wet and dry, but wet milling has less quality control. When dry milling is done, the rice is usually broken into more than 20% of the volume.
Traditional milling
The process involves using a stone mortar and pestle. It is a rare practice these days, but some still use this age-old method to produce rice.
Modern milling
Modern milling methods began in the 18th century when water and windmills were used to convert paddy into rice. The early 20th century saw steam power replace earlier methods, and milling became a major industry. Rice is now produced on an industrial scale using machines like air classifiers, modern whiteners, and circular rice mills. Up to 25% broken rice is produced using modern milling methods.
Paddy rice harvester specifications
Paddy harvesters come in two main types: environment-adaptive and universal. Universal harvesters work in all terrains but need extra attachments for wet fields. Environment-adaptive ones have features like large tires or paddles to handle soggy ground better. For power sources, most harvesters use diesel engines with common sizes around 60-80 horsepower. Some smaller models may use gasoline engines instead. The cutting width of harvesters varies based on their design. Wheel-mounted harvesters typically have 1.6-2.4-meter cutting widths, with bigger sizes suited for larger farms. Cutter strips may measure 1.2-2.0 centimeters. Tracked harvesters usually have wider cutter bars of 2.4-3.6 meters, with strip widths of 2.4-3.6 centimeters. Most paddy harvesters also include a threshing system to separate rice grains from stalks. The thresher is composed of a roller, ridged plates, and a fan, with common roller speeds between 180 and 220 revolutions per minute. Some advanced models feature automatic driving systems that let the machine drive itself while simply monitoring it from time to time. These harvesters can cover areas at a speed of around 6-10 kilometers per hour, which enhances efficiency.
Paddy rice mill specifications
Paddy milling machines convert raw paddy into white rice and have four main parts. The machine first dehusks the grain by splitting, which separates the rice from the husk. After that, it performs winnowing, which cleans the rice before it gets the final polishing. The polishing is done with the help of modern rice Whitener machines, which also remove the bran from the rice. These machines have a rotating steel or ceramic milling stone encased in a split hallowed cylinder. While the rice kernel is pressed and rotated by the milling stone, the bran is severed and sucked into a cyclone separator where it is isolate and separated.
The average paddy rice mill's output ranges from 0.5-100 tons per hour, depending on how big it is, what kind of power it uses, and its level of automation. Bigger, whole-set mills used for processing lots of rice at once usually process 1-100 tons each hour. Smaller, single machines meant for smaller jobs may only change 0.5-10 tons of rice per hour. Power sources for rice milling machines includes electric and diesel. Many rice mills powered by electricity have adapters for household electricity and car batteries. Electricity-powered mills can be used for small to medium-sized processing. Diesel-powered rice mills often use solar panels to provide extra energy when needed. Diesel and solar-diesel rice mills are better suited for large-scale use.
Maintenance of paddy harvesters and rice mills
Both the paddy harvester and the rice milling machine need proper maintenance to work for a long time. Inspection is one key step. By checking the parts routinely to see if any have abnormal wear and tear or have damage can help identify things that need to be fixed soon. Operations manuals should be followed closely during both the daily and scheduled inspections. Both machines should be kept and stored in a dry place away from rainfall and strong sunlight. Harvesters should be elevated off the ground using blocks to keep their tires and tracks from deforming while rice mills should be covered to stop dust from settling on them. Any loose or worn out parts should be repaired or replaced right away to avoid bigger problems later on. Lubricating key components like bearings using grease can simplify their operating process. Finally, keeping the work area of rice mills and all harvesters clean is crucial to stop dirt from entering any of their moving parts.
Paddy is used mainly in agriculture, where it is grown mostly in Asia. China, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Brazil are the main agricultural centers for paddy. Developed countries are more likely to have mechanized paddy farming, whereas underdeveloped countries still rely on manual labor.
About 55% of paddy is converted into white rice. The remaining 45% is used for various purposes like brewing beer, making whiskey, livestock feed, distilled syrup, rice flour, rice cakes, and other fermented products. Paddy husk is also used as fuel. In some places, whole unboiled rice is fed to poultry and swine. Breweries usually use rice syrup and rice flour. The by-product of rice milling is brown rice bran, which is used to feed fish and poultry.
Frozen and canned food sectors often look for ways to preserve the nutritional value of fruits, vegetables, meat, and grain. Whole rice grains are often used in the manufacture of food involving meat. The enzyme present in rice helps to break down protein and, in turn, release amino acids and peptides that are inherently meat flavor, improving the umami and taste.
In addition to the above, paddy is also used in the following ways:
The item may be found in educational institutions where students studying agriculture or food science learn about paddy and its uses. Supermarkets also have paddy cut inventory for end-users who want to use it for home baking and cooking purposes. Exporters usually look for a wholesale deal as they have the required licenses and knowledge to export it.
Research Market Demand :
Before investing in paddy, entrepreneurs should consider the market demand for paddy products in their target regions. This includes understanding the consumption trends, pricing, and competition.
Quality Assessment:
When buying paddy, it's essential to evaluate its quality, including the amount of husked paddy, the number of immature paddies, the infestation of insects, and the overall health of the paddy plants. Buying high-quality paddy can result in a more profitable yield and a superior end product.
Variety Selection:
There are numerous paddy varieties, each with unique taste, aroma, and cooking properties. Buying paddy varieties that cater to specific customer preferences can lead to higher sales and customer satisfaction.
Field Conditions:
The soil quality, water availability, and climate conditions of the field where the paddy is grown can significantly impact its quality and yield. Consider these factors when deciding to invest in paddy farming.
Organic and Conventional Options:
Both organic and conventional paddy options have their advantages and target markets. Organic paddy tends to have higher pricing but requires strict adherence to organic farming practices. Choose the right approach based on business goals and market demand.
Harvesting and Processing:
The method of harvesting and processing paddy can impact its quality. Hiring experienced workers or investing in automated systems can ensure proper handling and minimize losses.
Q1: What happens to the rice when paddy rice is crushed?
A1: When paddy rice is crushed, the husk gets removed, leaving the brown rice intact. But if the rice is crushed further, it can get converted into white rice by removing the bran layer.
Q2: Why do people store paddy rice?
A2: Paddy rice is stored because it is a staple food all over the world and is prepared in different cuisines. It is also converted into rice flour which is used to make various products.
Q3: Which countries have the highest paddy production?
A3: China, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam are the top five countries that produce the most paddy rice.
Q4: What kind of machinery paddy is used in the rice mill industry?
A4: Various kinds, such as the Paddy Separator, Paddy Husker, Straw Walker, Sheller, and Rice Whitener, among others.
Q5: What kind of tools does paddy use in the sports industry?
A5: All kinds of rice can be used to make sporting goods, such as golf balls, hockey pucks, and footballs, along with some other materials.