Grain Losses and Head Rice Yield of Paddy Under Different Harvesting Methods

Abstract

Rice harvesting is generally done by hand or with a combine harvester. The major challenges include loss of yield and quality during the harvesting process. Rice yield and quality losses may be minimized with the use of a suitable harvesting method. This study aims to evaluate the different paddy harvesting methods in terms of grain losses and head rice yield. This research evaluated the three harvesting methods: a Head-feed harvester (model PRO-588I-G, Kubota, Japan), a Whole-stalk harvester (model 8060, NH, Italy), and manual harvesting. The experiments were carried out on an area of 12, 060 m2 with a complete randomized design (CRD) and three replications during the year 2021. The yield-related crop parameters were measured before harvesting. All crop parameters were non-significant except for the productive tiller, filled and unfilled grain, and 1000-grain weight which were significant at p < 0.05. The grain moisture content during harvesting was 21% which was within the recommended range. The effect of harvesting methods on grain losses and head rice yield was highly significant at p < 0.01. Higher grain losses (10.73%) and lower head rice yield (15.40%) were found in the Whole-stalk harvester. Lower grain losses (4.78% and 2.96%) and greater head rice yields (31.73% and 29.73%) were obtained using Head-feed harvesters and manual harvesting, respectively. In conclusion, the Head-feed combine harvesters are found to be a more practical choice for paddy harvesting.