Impact of Elevated CO2 and Reducing the Source-Sink Ratio by Partial Defoliation on Rice Grain Quality – A 3-Year Free-Air CO2 Enrichment Study

Evaluating the impact of increasing CO2 on rice quality is becoming a global concern. However, whether adjusting the source-sink ratio will affect the response of rice grain quality to elevated CO2 concentrations remains unknown. In 2016–2018, we conducted a free-air CO2 enrichment experiment using a popular japonica cultivar grown at ambient and elevated CO2 levels (eCO2, increased by 200 ppm), reducing the source-sink ratio via cutting leaves (LC) at the heading stage, to investigate the effects of eCO2 and LC and their interactions on rice processing, appearance, nutrition, and eating quality. Averaged across 3 years, eCO2 significantly decreased brown rice percentage (−0.5%), milled rice percentage (−2.1%), and head rice percentage (−4.2%) but increased chalky grain percentage (+ 22.3%) and chalkiness degree (+ 26.3%). Markedly, eCO2 increased peak viscosity (+ 2.9%) and minimum viscosity (+ 3.8%) but decreased setback (−96.1%) of powder rice and increased the appearance (+ 4.5%), stickiness (+ 3.5%) and balance degree (+ 4.8%) of cooked rice, while decreasing the hardness (−6.7%), resulting in better palatability (+ 4.0%). Further, eCO2 significantly decreased the concentrations of protein, Ca, S, and Cu by 5.3, 4.7, 2.2, and 9.6%, respectively, but increased K concentration by 3.9%. Responses of nutritional quality in different grain positions (brown and milled rice) to eCO2 showed the same trend. Compared with control treatment, LC significantly increased chalky grain percentage, chalkiness degree, protein concentration, mineral element levels (except for B and Mn), and phytic acid concentration. Our results indicate that eCO2 reduced rice processing suitability, appearance, and nutritional quality but improved the eating quality. Rice quality varied significantly among years; however, few CO2 by year, CO2 by LC, or CO2 by grain position interactions were detected, indicating that the effects of eCO2 on rice quality varied little with the growing seasons, the decrease in the source-sink ratios or the different grain positions.

Characterization and utilization of nixtamalised rice flours in the production of cake

In an attempt to provide an alternate rice processing technique and enhance its nutritional quality, Faro 52 (Upland) and Nerica 8 (Lowland) rice grains were subjected to nixtamalisation involving cooking and soaking in a lime solution. The proximate composition, functional properties and pasting characteristics of the nixtamalised and nonnixtamalised rice flours were evaluated. Cakes produced with the rice flours were also subjected to sensory evaluation. Nixtamalisation significantly increased the protein content of upland (NUPRF) and lowland (NLLRF) rice flours by 28.19% and 27.80%, respectively. Nixtamalisation also enhanced the water absorption capacity of the rice flours, while the oil absorption capacity increased significantly. Pasting viscosities of all the nixtamalised flours were lower than their non-nixtamalised samples, while the pasting temperature increased. Nixtamalised rice cakes were not significantly different in colour, texture, flavour and overall acceptability from non-nixtamalised rice cakes. Nixtamalisation may be beneficial in rice processing for enhanced nutritional content and functionality, and the flour may be useful as a thickener and binder in food systems and the production of acceptable cakes.

Hayami method application: A value-added analysis of rice crackers industry in ex-residency of Madiun

This study aimed to determine the value-added of rice processing into rice crackers in the Ex-Residency of Madiun, East Java. Three areas (Ponorogo Regency, Magetan Regency, and Madiun City) well-known as rice crackers producers were chosen as the locations. The sample in this study was selected purposively. The result shows that the average value-added per raw material was Rp 2,210.57/kg with an average of 946.67 kg/month for raw material used. Using the Hayami method, the average value-added was Rp 14,206.33 per working hour. Rice crackers SMEs are advised to continue to improve efficiency, especially in terms of cost and the use of raw materials to further increase the value-added.

Processing and Marketing of Rice-Derived Products in the Township of Natitingou, Benin

In view of the profound changes that have taken place in agriculture, rice has become a major consumer crop. Thus, in addition to its important role in food security, rice is increasingly being transformed into small-scale by-products that are still poorly understood and marketed. The objective of this research is to study the process of transformation and commercialization of rice products in the township of Natitingou. The methodological approach adopted consists essentially of collecting data from 78 actors, mainly processors and traders of rice derivatives, processing the data and analyzing the results obtained using the SWOT model. The analysis of the results revealed that the process of processing rice derivatives in Natitingou takes into account the parboiling of rice during its transformation, the transformation of parboiled rice into a derived food product, the hygiene rules observed in the processing room and the fermentation of rice flour for consumption. Nearly 80% of those surveyed said that rice derivatives are processed with archaic tools, and marketing is not very profitable. Despite this situation, rice processing has made it possible to obtain several by-products such as cookies, cakes, akpan, and even tchoucoutou or tchapkalo, etc. Finally, the marketing of these products is done through the marketing used by the groups, the strategies of sale and distribution price of the products derived from rice, the publicity and means of communication for the sale of these products.

Feasibility Study of Integrated Rice Processing Plant in Badung Regency

Bali Province are able to establish integrated rice processing plant to suffice the need of the rice, both quantities and qualities. Badung Regency is chosen as the location of the plant because its statregic place, near raw material-harvested unhulled rice-and market. The result of the feasibility study shows that the plant is qualified to established depend on both non financial and financial aspect which are discribed by the value of, without financing and with financing respectively, NPV Rp 38.270.154.230,00, net B/C ratio 1,99-3,48, IRR 24,85%-46,69%. Other financial aspects, they are payback period 6,3-10,53 years, profitability index 1,49-1,04, average rate of return 18,39-14,39%, as supporting values. The result also show that the investment is sensitive toward the change of the income and operational cost but not sensitive toward the amount of raw material. Some of relevant assumption are used in this research.. After being established, the next step we ought to do are doing establishment of the plant as soon as possible, also doing continued deep research about social impact of the existing plant. This plant should capable to help farmers getting the reasonable price and also create the new job for people.

Effect of Liquid Hot Water Pretreatment on Hydrolysates Composition and Methane Yield of Rice Processing Residue

Lignocellulosic rice processing residue was pretreated in liquid hot water (LHW) at three different temperatures (140, 160, and 180 °C) and two pretreatment times (10 and 20 min) in order to assess its effects on hydrolysates composition, matrix structural changes and methane yield. The concentrations of acetic acid, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural increased with pretreatment severity (log Ro). The maximum methane yield (276 L kg−1 VS) was achieved under pretreatment conditions of 180 °C for 20 min, with a 63% increase compared to untreated biomass. Structural changes resulted in a slight removal of silica on the upper portion of rice husks, visible predominantly at maximum severity. However, the outer epidermis was kept well organized. The results indicate, at severities 2.48 ≤ log Ro ≤ 3.66, a significant potential for the use of LHW to improve methane production from rice processing residue.