Slowly, but effectively

In Thailand -where most of thepaddy and corn produced is exported- drying is an essential agricultural activity. There is 18-25 per centmoisture in the crops at the time ofharvesting, which has to be reducedto 14 per cent to prevent spoilage.During rainy or cloudy days, slowdrying in a storage using ambientair offers a better alternative tomechanical dryers. Its advantagesinclude low cost, longer storageperiod and prevention of yellowingand breaking of grains. In the case ofcorn, slow drying reduces theunwanted sour smell which isotherwise produced due to hightemperature in grain bulk (AIRDNews, VoI 14, No 8).