Simple steam parboiler with false bottom designed by Kogi State VCDP
Participants observing and having further discussing while drying the parboiled paddy rice
The improved small Scale steam parboiling system designed and fabricated by SEDI-Enugu
Cross-section of Participants
The Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) is a six-year programme of the Government of Nigeria funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The programme aims to improve incomes and food security of poor rural households engaged in production, processing and marketing of rice and cassava on a sustainable basis.
The partnership between Kogi State VCDP and SEDI Enugu came as a result of the commodity fair and exposition held in 2023 in Kogi State, in which SEDI Enugu participated. Among the equipment showcased by the state VCDP was a locally fabricated a small scale steam parboiling system. On interaction with SEDI staff at the fair, an improved design was proposed by SEDI Enugu, which will make the system more effective and efficient. This activity is a demonstration of the improved steam parboiling system designed by SEDI Enugu to make the experience of rice processing more seamless and add more value to processed rice. This system is also aimed at addressing to some extent some of the environmental challenges that accompany’s small scale rice processing.
In the course of the demonstration, some of the intended beneficiaries present made observations which cut across improvements they see on the parboiling system that they appreciate and areas they would want done differently or changed. Some of the observations are:
- Improvements:
- It was observed that the system is better sealed than the one presently in use by the processors, resulting in less loss of steam during parboiling.
- The SEDI designed parboiler has an outlet for conveniently letting out hot paddy after parboiling instead of scooping out as obtainable in the ones presently being used.
- The heating base of the system is design to conserve heat consequently using less firewood in the process.
- Requested Adjustments:
- The lid for pouring in paddy was too small that it requires pouring in paddy in small volumes to fill the tank. This will lead to a waste of time. It was recommended that the lid be made bigger to allow for easier access to the tank.
- It was also suggested that the total volume of the tank be slightly increased to take more paddy per batch.
SEDI Enugu was represented at the demonstration which was held at Lokoja by Mr. Aminu Musa, a Chief Executive Officer (Marketing) of the Technological Business Development(TBD) Department and Engr.Dr. Cyprian Ifediegwu.