Rice mill

Texas' First Rice Mill -- Beaumont, Texas

== Rice Mill ==

A rice mill is a facility where paddy is processed to remove the rice husk and produce rice. The milling process is crucial in the production of rice as it determines the quality and quantity of rice produced. Rice mills can vary in size from small, family-run operations to large industrial facilities.

History

The history of rice milling dates back to ancient times when rice was manually pounded using a mortar and pestle. Over time, more sophisticated methods and machinery were developed to improve efficiency and output. The advent of the Industrial Revolution brought significant advancements in rice milling technology, leading to the modern rice mills we see today.

Milling Process

The rice milling process involves several steps:

Cleaning

The first step in the milling process is cleaning the paddy to remove impurities such as stones, dust, and other foreign materials. This is typically done using a series of sieves and air blowers.

Dehusking

After cleaning, the paddy undergoes dehusking to remove the outer husk. This is usually done using a dehusker or huller. The result is brown rice, which still contains the bran layer.

Whitening/Polishing

The next step is whitening or polishing, where the bran layer is removed to produce white rice. This is done using a series of abrasive or frictional machines.

Grading

The final step is grading, where the rice is sorted based on size and quality. Broken rice is separated from whole grains, and the rice is then packaged for distribution.

Types of Rice Mills

There are several types of rice mills, including:

• Village Rice Mills: Small-scale mills that serve local communities.
• Commercial Rice Mills: Larger mills that produce rice for commercial distribution.
• Integrated Rice Mills: Facilities that combine milling with other processes such as parboiling and drying.

By-products

Rice milling produces several by-products, including:

• Rice husk
• Rice bran
• Broken rice

These by-products have various uses, such as in animal feed, as a source of oil, or as a fuel.

Importance

Rice mills play a vital role in the agriculture sector, particularly in countries where rice is a staple food. They contribute to food security, rural development, and the economy by providing employment and supporting the livelihoods of farmers.

See Also

• Rice
• Agriculture
• Food processing
• Industrial Revolution