Quality aspects of paddy grain and seed dried in HSTU mobile grain and seed dryer integrated with a dual heating system

Proper drying and excellence of dried grain and seed are the key concerns of millers, farmers and seed growers. The performance of a new Hajee Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University (HSTU) mobile grain and seed dryer (HMD) integrated with dual heating system was assessed regarding the quality of dried seed and grain. The HMD was found to be capable of drying 720 ± 10 kg paddy in a batch and drying period varied between 7 and 8 h at drying air temperatures of 65 °C. Paddy seeds of BRRI Dhan 49 and BRRI Dhan 89 were dried at 40 °C and the drying time required 9-10 h and 14-16 h in Aman and Boro season, respectively. Head rice yield and milling recovery varied from 59.50 ± 0.16 % to 61.61 ± 0.54 % and 74.95 ± 0.09 % to 75.70 ± 0.59 % for paddy dried in HMD. In addition, higher germination percentage (GP) of BRRI Dhan 49 varieties was found in Aman season that ranged from 86 % to 88 % which was dried in HMD in contrary to GP of paddy seeds dried under the sun. Moreover, higher GP was found from BRRI Dhan 89 varieties dried by HMD in Boro season. Also, the vigor index of HMD dried paddy seeds was more than the sun dried samples in both seasons. In conclusion, HMD integrated with a dual heating system is recommended for using at farm level as an alternative drying process for rapid and efficient handling of high-moisture grain and seed in Bangladesh and other subtropical nations in adverse climate.