Rice is one of the most important staple food globally, particularly in Asia, where it plays

a significant role in food security. While the Philippines has long been self-sufficient in rice

production, the country's rice milling industry remains a crucial bottleneck, with inefficient

milling processes, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of standardization hindering the sector's

potential to increase rice quality, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance food security.

To ensure a consistent and high-quality supply, the efficiency of the milling process is crucial.

Rice milling, the process that transforms harvested paddy into edible white rice, is a vital part of

the production chain. This process involves removing the husk and bran layers to produce rice

suitable for consumption [24]. The rice milling process can be simple (a one- or two-step

process) or more complex, involving multiple stages like husking to remove the outer layer,

polishing to smooth and clean the rice, grading to sort it by size and quality, and sorting to

eliminate any damaged grains[19]. Rice production, processing, and distribution are heavily

influenced by various physical and mechanical factors, such as the grain’s moisture content, the

type of milling machine, and the efficiency of the operations. In traditional systems, especially

in developing countries like the Philippines, rice is processed using cottage mills that often yield

low-quality rice due to impurities like dirt, stones, and unpolished grains [18]. The quality of rice

is significantly affected by the machine used, the grain moisture level, and the processing

method. Typically, local mills produce rice that is less attractive and has more broken grains

compared to imported rice [7].

Moisture content is a critical factor influencing rice quality, milling efficiency, and the

shelf life of the product. Improper moisture levels can lead to significant grain breakage during

the milling process, affecting both the quantity and quality of the yield. Paddy with too high
moisture content tends to mold during storage, while overly dry grains become brittle and

break during milling [21]. Controlling moisture content is essential not just for storage but also

to ensure a higher milling recovery rate and better rice quality [24]. In the conventional rice

milling industry, especially in regions like the Philippines, milling machines are typically non-

adaptive to the moisture content of the grains. This means that the same processing conditions

are applied regardless of the grain’s moisture level, leading to higher breakages and less

marketable rice. Furthermore, conventional methods are labor-intensive and costly, with

limited automation or sensors to monitor and adjust the processing conditions in real-time [22].

This results in inefficiencies and poor rice quality, further disadvantaging local farmers in

competing with imported rice, which is often more visually appealing due to its smooth, white

grains [18]. The rice milling process is complex and involves several stages: cleaning, parboiling,

drying, tempering, dehusking (hulling), polishing, grading, and de-stoning. Each step in this

chain influences the final product quality, especially when factors like moisture content and

machine speed are not optimized [19]. High moisture content grains are more likely to break

during milling, while dry grains are prone to brittleness, reducing their market value. The

percentage of head rice (whole grains) is a key metric in determining the value of the milled

rice, as consumers generally prefer fewer broken grains [23].

To improve the quality of locally produced rice and reduce dependency on imported

varieties, it is necessary to modernize the rice milling process. Introducing a milling machine

that adapts to the moisture content of the paddy rice can greatly reduce grain breakage,

improve head rice yield, and increase the overall economic value of the rice. The machine

developed in this study incorporates a sensor that measures the moisture content of the paddy
before the dehusking stage. This sensor automatically adjusts the roller speed to reduce

breakage and optimize the milling process [9]. The production of local rice is vital for food

security and economic stability in regions like the Philippines. However, the dominance of

imported rice, often favored for its aesthetic appeal despite being less tasty than local varieties,

has hampered the market share of local rice. By improving the processing quality through

modern milling techniques, local rice can become more competitive. Moreover, enhancing local

rice processing can reduce the need for imports, boost local agriculture, and support small-

scale farmers [18]. Small and medium-scale farmers face challenges due to changing weather

patterns that affect the moisture content of rice, leading to inconsistent quality and reduced

marketability. Rice milling is a crucial stage in the value chain of rice production, directly

affecting the quality and marketability of the final product. By introducing adaptive

technologies such as moisture sensors and automated controls, this study aims to enhance the

efficiency of rice milling. This will benefit not only local farmers and millers but also consumers,

by ensuring access to higher-quality rice at competitive prices [13].

The proposed machine aligns with sustainable development goals by utilizing locally

available materials and promoting the self-sufficiency of local farmers. As the demand for rice

continues to rise globally, improving milling efficiency is crucial for meeting the needs of

growing populations. The study aims to contribute to a more resilient and sustainable rice

production system that supports both economic and food security in rice-dependent regions

[1]. Traditional mills often operate at fixed speeds, regardless of the paddy’s moisture level,

leading to inefficiencies. A smart milling machine equipped with a Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

(NIRS) sensor and Variable Frequency Driver (VFD) can optimize milling conditions based on
real-time moisture readings, significantly improving rice quality while reducing energy and labor

costs [11]. This research focuses on developing an efficient and cost-effective rice milling

machine that integrates modern technologies to improve rice quality while reducing

operational costs. By addressing key factors such as moisture content and milling process

efficiency, the study seeks to enhance local rice production and provide solutions to challenges

faced by small-scale farmers, contributing to both local economies and food security [24].