Rishad visits highly automated rice processor, says ‘new tech can help increase rice quality’

Wednesday, 21 March 2012 00:16 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The rice milling industry techniques strongly influences the quality of rice consumed. “New post-harvest technology will help us in increasing the quality of rice we consume,” said Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen.

Minister Bathiudeen announced this after his visit to a rice mill in Polonnaruwa on 10 March during his industrial tour. Minister Bathiudeen’s visit was assisted by the Export Development Board. Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen assisted by Export Development Board visits a private rice processing operator in Polonnaruwa on 10 March and learns about the functions of a Vertical Emery Roll, a processing machine used by the rice industry

During his tour, Minister visited ‘SuduAraliya’ in Polonnaruwa, an automated private sector rice miller equipped with latest machinery that de-husk paddy, de-stone rice, sort and grade rice, as well as package them. “Automation of rice processing is a welcome development in post-harvest sector. It can help us to get higher quality rice at lower costs,” Minister Bathiudeen added. Joining the Minister during in the tour were Additional Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Commerce Janaka Sugathadasa, EDB Director General Sujatha Weerakoon and EDBExecutive Director Yousuf Maraikkar.