New affordable IRRI moisture tester for rice
Channel: International Rice Research Institute
Date: 20/09/2012

Also see: http://www.scribd.com/doc/106220093/Rice-Today-Vol-11-No-4-Dried-to-Perfection and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=leJ5R9VrGU0&feature=share&list=UUxs-9zQb56L4ZJictrbCojQ

After searching high and low and after many discussions with several electronics manufacturers in the Philippines, Cambodia, and India, scientists at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI; http://irri.org ) finally found an industry partner to produce and commercialize a low-cost moisture tester.

With the new IRRI moisture tester, farmers can benefit by making more-informed decisions on safely storing their harvest. And, they will have more negotiating power when they sell the paddy to traders. 

In this video clip, Martin Gummert - http://www.irri.org/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=8597:martin-gummert&lang=en - a mechanization and postharvest expert at IRRI, demonstrates how to use the device.

Around 350 units are being distributed strategically to further develop the market for a larger order. Some will be sold through IRRI at a subsidized price of US$55. Once orders reach 10,000 units, the price per unit may comedown to $35. Further streamlining and improvements, such as investing in a mold for a custom housing, could lead to even lower prices.

Small orders of the moisture tester can be placed at the IRRI Riceworld Bookshop (riceworld bookstore@irri.org). For larger quantity orders, please contact Nanodevice Technologies, Inc., at tel. no. (63) 2 477-1379, telefax (63) 2-470-6485, or visit http://nanodeviceonline.com - For more information, email postharvest@irri.org.