LAHORE, Oct 11 (APP):The Punjab Agriculture Department has advised farmers to harvest coarse rice varieties at the appropriate stage of maturity to minimise grain breakage and ensure better quality.
A spokesman of the department said here on Sunday that harvesting should begin when the uppermost panicles have fully ripened while two to three grains at the bottom remain green.
At this stage, the moisture content of the grains is between 20 and 22 per cent. The harvested grains should then be dried until their moisture content reaches 12 to 13 per cent.
The spokesman advised farmers opting for mechanised harvesting to preferably use a ‘Kubota’ rice harvester. If one is unavailable, they should use machinery that can be adjusted to suit rice harvesting to minimise grain breakage.
The department also urged farmers to consult local agricultural experts regarding the proper disposal of rice crop residues.
It advised farmers not to burn rice stubble, warning that the practice contributes to smog.