Mechanized Harvesting of the Most Important Second Crop in Rice Based Cropping System of Rice Research Institute of Iran

Triticale

According to the report of the RRII’s public relation office, the most important second crop in the rice-based cropping system of Rice Research Institute of Iran, triticale was harvested using the particular mechanized machine on Wednesday, 21 Apr. 2021. Triticale is the first artificially developed grain crop that can predominate wheat and rye in certain characteristics. Triticale is a multi-purpose crop that can be grazed during the vegetative stages of development and subsequently harvested for grain. It can also be cut for silage. When harvested for grain, triticale offers an alternate animal feed source and also has a growing potential in the human food market.

Dr. Yousofi, the academic member of agricultural machinery of RRII said:  Manual harvesting tends to be slow and is normally done using simple hand tools such as sickles, knives, etc. Therefore, the use of mechanized machines in harvesting operations increases the output in terms of crops harvested per unit time and the quality of the final product. Harvesting machines are designed to suit operations at different scales (small, medium, and large-scale machines are available for use in the harvesting operations), including the combine harvesters. The use of more efficient harvesting machines contributes to the reduction of postharvest losses. In addition, the reduction of the harvest time is important in areas with several cropping seasons, where early crop establishment can contribute to higher yields for the following crop. The use of adequate equipment, as well as the availability of hire services for harvesting, can make a difference for smallholders who depend on timely delivery of the production. Reapers and harvesters are adapted to different crops and sizes.