Effect of drying methods on storage of paddy seed

Fresh paddy at a moisture content of 26.8 per cent d.b. was purchased and dried to 11.9 per cent d.b. for seed purpose in the month of November. The paddy was dried by electrically operated mechanical drier and a solar drier. The temperature in the mechanical drier was maintained at 45°C. After drying by both the methods, the paddy seed was stored in 8 kg capacity jute bags at room temperature. During storage, the moisture content, germination, vigour index, 1000-seed mass and insect-infestation was studied at an interval of two months. It was observed that both solar dried & mechanically dried seeds, proved equally good during storage. The grains were free of any insect-infestation during the storage period.