Comparative Grain Losses Using Conventional and Axial Flow Combine Harvesters for Paddy

At present there are more than 30, 000 combine harvesters, more than 10 big manufacturers (manufacturing 1000 or more combine harvesters per year) and around 50 small manufacturers of conventional combine harvesters in India. There are also two manufacturers of axial flow combine harvesters. At present as per Indian standards the acceptable processing loss of combine harvesters for cereal crops is 2.5%. Majority of combine harvesters tested at testing institutes qualify these conditions when operated under standard conditions. But standard conditions seldom exist at framers’ field. Majority of these does not qualify the 2.5% processing loss norm at farmers’ fields. Percentage of fissured grains in combine harvested paddy ranged from 16–32%. There was approximately 0.5% lower processing loss and 1% lower broken grains in axial flow combine harvesters as compared to conventional combine harvesters. Particularly broken grains were reduced by 2.5 to 5 times. If the trend remains the same for fissured grains and milling losses, more than 5% grains can be saved at the cost of additional fuel burnt by the slightly costlier axial flow combine harvesters. Axial flow combine harvesters should be promoted for harvesting paddy to reduce grain losses during combine harvesting.