Harvesting methods

Depending on the size of the operation and the amount of mechanization, rice is either harvested by hand or machine. The different harvesting systems are as follows:

  • Manual harvesting
    Manual harvesting makes use of traditional threshing tools such as threshing racks, simple treadle threshers and animals for trampling or by hand using sharp knives or sickles. Gives 55-60 % grain recovery.
  • Manual harvesting and machine threshing
    Rice is manually threshed, then cleaned with a machine thresher.
  • Machine reaping and machine threshing
    A reaper cuts and lays the crop in a line. Threshing and cleaning can then be performed manually or by machine.
  • Combine harvesting
    The combine harvester combines all operations from paddy harvesting to rice extraction - cutting, handling, threshing and cleaning. Gives 50 % recovery. 
  • Average yield  :
    • A well-managed crop of mid-late duration varieties yield about 60-70 quintals/ ha.
    • Short duration varieties yield about 45-55 quintals.
    • About 40-60 quintals/ ha of fodder also becomes available per season