The Mini rice mill installed by KVK Ernakulam at the Periyar valley Spices Farmer Producer Company Ltd., Kothamangalam, commenced its operation on 4th February 2023. Shri. Antony John, MLA, Kothamangalam, inaugurated the mill. This mini rice mill capacity of 2 MT per day is installed with the objective of demonstrating farm-level paddy processing and branded marketing of locally produced rice as a profitable rural enterprise. The mill is equipped with a parboiling unit, Greenhouse drier, rubber roll sheller, polisher, and de-stoner. A vacuum packaging machine is also available for use in situations when long-term storage of rice is needed.

The drudgery in paddy farming could considerably be reduced with the mechanization of various farm operations, whereas the post-harvest operations, viz., parboiling, drying, and milling, still continue to be cumbersome.  This mini rice mill is expected to resolve this issue. The post-COVID high demand for locally produced rice coupled with quality rice production in mini rice mill is expected to enhance farmers’ income while assuring quality produce to the consumers.