The steps of seed processing are as follows :
1. Threshing: This involves using a thresher or threshing machi
2. Cleaning: After threshing, the seeds need to be separated from straw, insects, dust, leaves, stems, and other impurities. Proper cleaning is essential to maintain seed quality. Various tools such as flails or rowers are used for cleaning, with the traditional tool called “Kula” being commonly used locally.
3. Drying: Seeds have higher moisture content immediately after harvesting, so they need to be dried to reduce moisture levels to a storage-appropriate range (typically 8-12%). This is done using sunlight or various dryers/ovens. It’s preferable to dry seeds on polythene sheets, mats, or raised platforms to prevent moisture from the ground, as excess moisture can make seeds susceptible to insect infestation.
4. Grading: After cleaning and drying, seeds are graded based on size or weight. Evenly sized seeds are preferred as they are more likely to produce uniform seedlings. Small or abnormal seeds may not produce healthy plants.
Objectives of Seed Processing
The objectives of seed processing include:
1. Separating seeds from other crop debris and weed seeds.
2. Reducing seed moisture to safe levels.