Post Productive Phase

Postharvest grain losses across all Asian countries have been estimated at 10–15% and, when combined with loss of quality, represent a potential loss in value of between 25 and 50% at market. When a rice crop reaches physiological maturity, it has reached its maximum potential in terms of yield and quality. From that point on, the losses that occur are dependent on how quickly the crop is processed. To maximize their financial return, farmers require a timely harvest, followed by good postharvest technology and management.

Market information

Before any attempt to tackle postharvest problems, a market assessment needs to be undertaken to determine the products and quality grades demanded by the markets and to provide information for better flexibility in seeking markets for improved products and for greater bargaining power. Timely market information can help farmers decide what quality to produce, where to sell, and when to sell.

Quality and quality testing (at harvest and postharvest)

To minimize losses and maximize quality, farmers should have a good understanding of traits that define seed quality, grain quality, and milled rice and of the factors in production and postproduction of rice that have an effect on those quality traits. The IRRI quality kit contains a set of tools that can be used to determine important physical grain quality parameters. It can be used to assess grain and milled rice quality in the field and is ideal for providing training on quality on location. (info on how to obtain the kit).