Computerised rice grading - a boon for exporters

Chandigarh, Nov 8: The tedious, laborious and error-prone system of rice-grading would soon be a thing of past with the path-breaking computerised classification system developed by scientists here.

The server-based analytical instrument with complete 'knowledge and data' could provide world-class sample testing over the internet, leading to 'uniform procurement specifications and testing', which would also be a boon for exporters.

The device, developed by Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO) here, ''could provide transparency in the procurement process and could be useful for food procuring and marketing agencies, rice shellers, grain marchants and exporters,'' the CSIO Director Dr Pawan Kapur told sources.

The rice grading, which would take into account the colour, shape and size of each grain, would be most useful in meeting the export requirements which seek absolute rice dimensions and accumulative stringent percentages in broken and undesirable items.

Project Head, Dr H K Sardana said the system meets export or superior quality requirements, including the moisture test. It could detect undesirable elements like foreign matter, broken, damaged, discoloured, chalky and red grains and could differentiate between various varieties mixed together.

In addition, the system could provide grain-wise measurements and histogram, he said.

Moreover, the whole process of classification of rice sample takes only one or two minutes in comparision to hours that it takes to manually and visually check the grains as per BIS standards.

The system could be customised to suit export requirements and BIS standards including annual relaxations applicable to farmers during adverse weather conditions.

About the other benefits of the sorting machines, he explained that it could work even at sheller's level for inspection while milling.

A prototype unit of the system was successfully tested by Markfed, as per the standard requirements of the BIS and FCI, Mr Sardana said.

For remote sample submission, people living even in remote areas could be connected to the system through internet and could submit the sample at their scanner for obtaining certified statistical report.

The new system would also turn out to be much cost-effective as BIS, as a central agency, could provide the on-line grading service to distant clients, he said.

UNI