Grain drying in Vietnam: Problems and priorities

Vietnam has become a major producer and exporter of rice in recent years. Drying of high-moisture paddy harvested in the rainy season is a major problem to be overcome to reduce postharvest losses and to increase rice quality in Vietnam. Issues in grain drying are discussed in the context of a short harvest time. Constraints are identified: lack of compatible technologies including hardware; lack of understanding of the mechanical drying process in both design and operation; and lack of extension activities. Available solutions are discussed, a striking example being the current use of about 600 units of 4 t flatbed dryers in the Mekong Delta provinces of southern Vietnam. Other promising technologies under evaluation or pilot application are presented: two-stage in-store drying; one-stage low-temperature drying; rapid first-stage drying with the fluidised-bed dryer. Proposed priorities in action include: a campaign to regenerate awareness that drying problems can be solved; an extensive technology transfer program to dryer users and builders; a banking credit scheme to speed up the dissemination of drying technology; and continued applied research in grain drying for the diverse conditions of Vietnamese rice production.