Objective
- An optical test rig for the detection, imaging, and quantification/classification of fissures/cracks of different types of de-husked rice paddies.
- A quality metric for rice grains based on fissure/crack data to serve as a basis for abrasive milling process optimisation for a better yield.
Project Description
A rice grain (seed) typically consists of brown rice and an enclosure called a husk. Brown rice has several thin layers
of tissues, collectively termed bran. The retail market is primarily dominated by white rice, which is obtained by abrasive milling and polishing to remove the bran layer from brown rice. The yield of the milling/polishing,
characterised by uniformity in size, shape, and colour, is largely decided by the quality of the input brown rice grains. The de-husking process before abrasive milling/polishing introduces fissures or cracks in the rice grains. The rice grains with fissures result in the breakage of rice kernels
adversely affecting the yield of the milling.
The rice millers often resort to a trial-and-error approach for the milling process setting to minimise grain breakage. A scientific approach is needed to detect, classify, and quantify the input grain quality with the aid of an easy-to-use, non-invasive, and cost-effective inspection device.
Project Details
Principal Investigator: Prof. Rakesh G. Mote
Cause Area/ Theme: Agriculture and Rural Development
Budget: INR 15 Lakhs
Technology Readiness Level: 1
Project Duration: 1 Year
UN SDG No: 2
Expected Impact
De-husked rice grains of different types will be analysed using different imaging approaches to investigate the nature of fissures inside the grains. An objective quality index will be established based on the fissure characteristics of the grains. This will enable the mill owner to decide on the parameter setting of the milling process. An optical imaging device will be developed that can be used at milling sites for the user to assess the quality of the input de-husked paddy by detecting
the grain fissures/cracks.