Analysis of the results of the above studies revealed:

i) Development work and pilot plant studies have resulted in the perfection of technology of drying of cereals and akin products.

ii) Actual user is satisfied with the technical performance of dryer.

iii) However, none of the system so far developed have found actual users acceptance. This can be primarily ascribed to: higher capital cost and /or high cost of drying, which is basically due to limited period of usage of the dryer (normally only 15 to 20 days in a year).

“Published options” inability to satisfy the requirements of actual users can be ascribed due to:

a) Drying requirement of actual user is for a limited time period of operation, of around a maximum of 30 to 50 days only in a year.

b) Major losses during post-harvesting occur only during adverse weather conditions, which do not occur every year in most part of the country.

c) Under the prevailing environment, little incentive is available to the farmer to dry the cereals under normal weather conditions.

d) Extra cost incurred on drying is not commensurate with returns.

e) Drying equipment, till date, is not classified as an agricultural implement/equipment. Thus the capital investment required for establishment of dryers, is not available on softer terms.

10. Suitability of Other Types of Dryers

A study on the suitability of other types of dryers, presently being used for processing other food products, for drying freshly harvested cereals revealed that most of the dryers namely:

- Moving tray dryers used in tea industry.
- Tunnel dryers used in confectionary industry.
- Infra red dryers used in baking painted product etc.

are used not only for removal of moisture or solvent, but also effect some organoleptic changes in the product. The product after drying, cannot be changed to its original form by rewetting after being processed by these dryers. Thus, neither of the above types of dryers can be used for drying freshly harvest cereals, as rewetting characteristics of dried products an essential in case of freshly harvested cereals.