Post-harvest Losses of Rice in Paro Valley

Dechen Tshering, Sonam Tobgay, Dorji Rinchen, Karma Dorji &  Sonam Dorji

ABSTRACT

Rice production in Bhutan was recorded at 86,385 t in 2017 with self-sufficiency estimated at 45%. The current post-harvest loss of rice in Bhutan is estimated as high as 30%. Addressing post-harvest losses in rice through poor post-harvest handling and management of rice crop can significantly increase rice availability. Apparently, there is insufficient data on post-harvest losses of rice at different stages of post-harvest operations in Bhutan. For an effective reduction in losses, it is imperative to estimate the losses and the stages at which they occur. This study was conducted in Paro, which is one of the main rice growing districts in Bhutan. The study was aimed to assess the post-harvest losses in rice during harvesting, in field drying, in field transportation of harvested paddy to threshing floorand threshing process.Five commonly grown rice varieties (No. 11, Yusi Ray Maap-2, Yusi Raykaap-2, KhangmaMaap and Dum Ja (local) were assessed to determine the losses occurring during the different post-harvest operations. The total post-harvest loss, irrespective of the different varieties is estimated at 5.50% of the total production. The Dum Ja variety exhibited the maximum post-harvest loss of 11.60 % of the total production, while the No. 11 variety exhibited the minimum post-harvest loss of 1.33% of the total production.

Keywords: Post-harvest loss, Rice varieties, Self-sufficiency

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