Energy consumption and cost analysis of local parboiling processes

This study was conducted at Gazole in the Malda district of West Bengal, India, by both the physical monitoring and questionnaire survey to evaluate the local parboiling processes (vessel, small-boiler and medium-boiler). The biomass consumption and head rice yield were measured and the market values were assessed by a questionnaire. The net present worth (NPW), payback period and internal rate of return were also determined. The parboiled rice produced under boiler processes had a higher market value (US$157.4/t) compared to the vessel (US$151.6/t), but required a greater initial investment. The boiler processes were reported to be less tedious and provided a better working environment compared to the vessel. The head rice yield was estimated to be 65.9%, 69.2% and 66.6% for the vessel, small-boiler and medium-boiler process, respectively. The medium-boiler consumed the lowest amount of energy (1659 MJ/t) compared to the others. The cost analysis of the parboiling processes revealed that all the processes are economically viable, but the small-boiler was found to be the most attractive, having the shortest payback period and the highest internal rate of return. The local parboiling process can be improved in terms of the energy consumption and the market value of the rice by adopting the medium-boiler process.