Integrating user's perspective in technology development
1999
Borlagdan, P.C. | Diaz, C.P. | Bell, M.A. (International Rice Research Inst., P.O. Box 3127, MCPO Makati City (Philippines))
The low cost dryer (SRR) is a farm level drying technology that is based on the low temperature in-bin drying system originally practised by Korean farmers. It has been found to be highly acceptable to Vietnamese farmers. The SRR can dry paddy, peanut, corn and other agricultural products. Under the Mekong Delta conditions in Vietnam, it can dry paddy in 3 to 4 days. Evaluation of the original design (of the University of Agriculture and Forestry in Vietnam) under Philippine conditions showed that the SRR could dry paddy in 2 to 3 days (48-72 hours). When the blower and bin materials were modified, the next generation SRR reduced the drying time to 15-30 hours (depending on the moisture content of the paddy, drying temperature, and existing relative humidity). It can reduce the moisture content (MC) of wet paddy from 28 percent down to 18 percent in ten hours. Economic feasibility analysis showed that the technology is feasible for farm level drying both in dry and wet seasons. The modified SRR was pilot tested with the end users including rice traders/millers and farmers in Laguna, Nueva Ecija and Quezon Province. They were impressed by the simplicity of the design. But were not satisfied with its performance compared with sun drying which can dry paddy in 6 to 8 hrs. The SRR dryer can dry paddy to prevent quality deterioration especially during the wet season. Under present market conditions, though, the SRR is expected to be more successful in other Asian countries where trader and market demand for farm level paddy is not so high. Powered by an electric motor, the SRR dryer is portable and inexpensive for farm level drying
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