Rice Threshing and Polishing Machines: Axial flow thresher and improved quality polishing

Efficient rice threshing and polishing for premium quality grains, boosting income and market access in african communities.

This technology uses special machines to help process rice after it's harvested. The first machine separates the rice from its protective covering. The second machine makes the rice look and taste better by gently polishing it. These machines are easy to move and can be used right in the fields where the rice is grown. They can be powered by generators or solar panels, so they work even in places with no electricity. Made from strong stainless steel, these machines are durable and easy to keep clean. This technology is a big step forward for rice processing, especially for farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa.

This technology is TAAT1 validated.

8•8

Scaling readiness: idea maturity 8/9; level of use 8/9

Adults 18 and over: Positive high

Improved rice quality and reduced losses lead to higher market value, boosting household earnings.

The poor: Positive medium

Access to modern technology increases productivity, enabling poorer farmers to improve their livelihoods and integrate into value chains.

Under 18: Positive low

It helps reduce the need for children to assist in labor-intensive processing, allowing them more time for education.

Women: Positive medium

Mechanized processes reduce exposure to repetitive manual tasks, which can cause physical strain or injuries.

Climate adaptability: Moderately adaptable

Efficient processing reduces grain losses, helping farmers maximize output even in challenging climatic conditions.

Farmer climate change readiness: Moderate improvement

It supports farmers' ability to handle increased workloads caused by climate-related stress.

Biodiversity: No impact on biodiversity

Mechanized units reduce reliance on extensive manual labor, preserving habitats near farming areas.

Carbon footprint: Same amount of carbon released

Use of solar-powered units and compact generators minimizes fossil fuel dependency, reducing emissions.

Environmental health: Does not improve environmental health

Mechanized systems reduce waste and dust from manual methods, improving air and environmental quality.

Soil quality: Does not affect soil health and fertility

As the technology focuses on post-harvest processing, it does not directly impact soil but enables farmers to reinvest in soil management with higher profits.

Water use: Same amount of water used

Unlike traditional methods, this technology does not require additional water for processing, making it water-efficient.

Problem

High grain losses due to manual threshing methods.
Inefficiencies in the traditional polishing process, particularly manual rubbing.
Time-consuming and labour-intensive artisanal practices.
Difficulty in processing large volumes of rice in communities.
Limited adoption of mechanized equipment due to high capital investment and configuration challenges.
Lack of access to modern mechanized technologies in many rural regions of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Solution

The motorized axial flow threshers employ a turning drum that efficiently separates rice grain from the chaff. This process significantly reduces grain breakage and loss compared to traditional manual methods.
The introduction of abrasive polishers using talc or fine dust automates and enhances the polishing process. This ensures a consistent and thorough removal of the bran layers, resulting in higher-quality rice.
The mechanized equipment drastically reduces the time and labour required for threshing and polishing. This allows for the processing of larger volumes of rice in a shorter amount of time.
The self-contained mobile units can be brought directly to paddy fields, eliminating the need for extensive transportation. This increases the processing capacity and efficiency, especially in communities with high rice production.
The technology addresses this by providing cost-effective and easily adaptable mobile units. These units utilize compact generators and solar panels, reducing the capital investment required for mechanized processing.
The mobile units are designed to be highly mobile and can be easily transported to even remote rural areas. This enables farmers in these regions to benefit from modern mechanized processing technologies.

Key points to design your program

A Modern Solution for Rice Processing in Sub-Saharan Africa

The Axial Flow Threshing technology addresses significant challenges in traditional rice processing, such as high grain losses, labor-intensive manual methods, and inefficiencies in threshing and polishing. By reducing grain breakage and increasing processing capacity, this technology ensures higher-quality rice, improved income for farmers, and time savings.

This innovation contributes to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It supports SDG 1 by increasing incomes and reducing poverty among smallholder farmers, SDG 2 by improving food security through reduced losses, and SDG 8 by creating decent work opportunities. Furthermore, the use of mobile units near fields promotes resource efficiency, contributing to SDG 12.

As part of the Rice Technology Toolkit, the Axial Flow Threshing technology works synergistically with complementary technologies such as Orylux varieties GEM parboiling systems. These combined technologies enhance the efficiency and sustainability of rice value chains across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Axial Flow Threshing technology have been introduced in Burundi, DR Congo, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda through the Enabling Sustainable Regional Agricultural Extension (ENSURE) project, funded by the African Development Bank.

For development programs focused on rural transformation, food security, and sustainable agricultural practices, the Axial Flow Threshing technology is a practical and impactful solution. Partnering with organizations like AfricaRice and local agricultural cooperatives ensures proper implementation, capacity building, and long-term support.

Cost: $$$ 4500 USD

Local thresher

20 %

Losses reduced

15000—20000 USD

Advanced polishers and whiteners

3000 USD

Small bench-top polishers

IP

Patent granted

Countries with a green colour: Tested & adopted
Countries with a bright green colour: Adopted
Countries with a yellow colour: Tested
Countries with a blue colour: Testing ongoing

Countries where the technology is being tested or has been tested and adopted
Country	Testing ongoing	Tested	Adopted
Benin	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Burkina Faso	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Cameroon	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Côte d’Ivoire	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Gambia	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Mali	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Mauritania	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Nigeria	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted
Senegal	–No ongoing testing	Tested	Adopted