Post Harvest Corn Handling for Improving Quality and Competitiveness

Abstract

The awareness and knowledge of postharvest losses at the farm level is still very low, so it is necessary to conduct research to determine the application of postharvest technology at the farm level. The research was conducted from January to December 2017 in Minahasa, North Minahasa and South Minahasa districts. The results of the study showed that each stage of postharvest treatment varied from 5% of conventional and 1.92% of introduced technology. The use of postharvest BB shelling tools with an operating time of 9 minutes/100 kg with an operational cost of 187,800 IDR/ha, results in a loss of yield of about 0.8%, peeled corn sheller with an operating time of 10.25 minutes/100 kg and an operating cost of 213,400 IDR/ha lost yield of 0.95%, compared to traditional shelling tools with an operating time of 130 minutes/100 kg and operational costs of 1,354,100 IDR/ha, yield loss of 0.2% lower but high labor costs. The use of a dryer with a capacity of 3 - 4 tons with a drying time of 12-17 hours can save the labor cost of 2 working days (200,000 IDR) when compared to a sun dryer, the yield loss is 0.1-0.2%. Dry shelled maize, rice, and corn bran stored for 3 months have not experienced a significant change in moisture content, with the control treatment, the use of zeolite, activated charcoal, quicklime, turmeric powder and fragrant lemongrass powder. The use of activated charcoal and zeolites can inhibit changes in moisture content and the growth of Sitophilus zeamais.