Techno-Economic Evaluation of Modern Rice Milling Systems in Punjab

The performance and the economics of modern rice mills of different milling capacities in Punjab was evaluated. It was observed that the capacity utilization was the lowest at 43.30% in integrated paddy processing complex and highest at 136.77% in 1t/hr mills. The total yields obtained from surveyed mills ranged from 66.14 to 67.90% whereas the total yields obtained from laboratory milling ranged from 66.89 to 68.98%. The processing costs were Rs.15.72, Rs.15.99, Rs.16.27, Rs.34.30 at the utilised capacity while the margins were Rs.20.27, Rs.20.97, Rs.17.18, Rs.3.83 in one It/hr mills, 2 t/hr mills, 3 t/hr mills, and integrated paddy processing complex respectively. The processing costs were Rs.18.06, Rs.14.78, Rs.16.09, Rs.16.41 at the installed capacity while the margins were Rs. 17.92, Rs.22.17, Rs. 17.36, Rs. 21.72 in 1 t/hr mills, 2t/hr mills, 3t/hr mills, and integrated paddy processing complex respectively. In modern rice mills, the margins were the maximum in 2 t/hr mill followed by integrated paddy processing complex. The break even point was the lowest in 2 t/hr rice mill and the highest in integrated paddy processing complex.