RICE HUSKERS

Category: Agriculture

Summary: A rice husker, also commonly known as a rice huller or paddy dehusker, is an essential agricultural machine used in the initial stage of rice milling.

A rice husker, also commonly known as a rice huller or paddy dehusker, is an essential agricultural machine used in the initial stage of rice milling. Its specific function is to remove the tough, protective outer layer, called the husk or hull, from harvested paddy rice (rough rice grains). This process transforms the inedible paddy into brown rice, which still retains its nutritious bran layer. The most common type of modern husker utilizes two rubber rollers rotating at slightly different speeds; as the paddy passes between them, this differential motion creates a shearing force that effectively strips off the husk with minimal damage to the underlying brown rice kernel. Older designs like disc huskers also exist but may cause more grain breakage. As Koronadal City is situated in a major rice-producing region of the Philippines, rice huskers are fundamental pieces of equipment found in numerous local rice mills (from small "kiskisan" to larger commercial operations), playing a critical role in processing the staple food crop for consumption and contributing significantly to the local agricultural economy.