Solar-powered rice mills to increase production: Nari

THE introduction of solar-powered rice mills can impact the growth of rice production in the country, says National Agriculture Research Institute director-general Dr Sergie Bang.
He made the comment yesterday at a solar rice mill project workshop on community against gender-based violence at the NARI headquarters in Lae.
“So far, 70 solar-powered rice mills have been purchased and would be distributed to rice farmers in Morobe to help them produce their own rice,” he said.
“Nari has partnered with Trukai Industries to increase rice production in the country.”
He said rice was a staple food in the country but not many people were growing it. Therefore Nari and Trukai are trying to boost rice production among local farmers
Solar rice mill project team leader Dr Sim Sar said a solar rice mill costs about K16,000.
“Unlike our traditional foods, rice can be stored for a very long time. Therefore people should plant rice for their own consumption,” he said.
“Farmers can also sell their surplus produce to Trukai and keep the rest for their consumption.”
Trukai rice development manager Humphrey Saese said the mills were suitable for small-scale sustainable rice processing in rural areas.
“This machine is a combination of rice huller and polisher package that can produce a lot of rice and help rural farmers in the country,” he said