CHAPTER ONE

1.0 GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

Farming system consist of many operations or activities each no less important

than the subsequent or the preceding one. One of such operations is threshing

which is immediate operation after harvesting of grain crops. The quality of any

grain product depends on how well it is threshed and cleaned.

Threshing is a necessary step before processing of grains into flour for domestic

or industrial use. In addition, annual yield evaluations by farmers are only

possible after threshing operation (Dangora et.al. 2006).

1.2 Definition of threshing

Threshing simply implies the removal of grains from the plant by striking,

treading or rubbing. Technically, threshing does not only signify detachment of

seed from the plant but also includes the separation of the seed from the chaff and

cleaning of the separated seed. Any threshing process has the objective of

severing the attachment of the grain kernels from the plant. In some crops, the

kernel must also be removed from a protective husk or pod (Brown et.al., 1999).

1.3 Methods of threshing

In various parts of the world, threshing is accomplished either by treading the

grain under the feet of men or the hooves of the animals, or striking the grain with

stick or peg/loop of threshing machine or removing the grain by rubbing between

stone or wooden rollers on a threshing floor or between the rasp bar and concave
of a combine. Generally, threshing can either be done traditionally or

mechanically by the use of machines.

1.3.1 Manual threshing

Manual threshing involves the use of traditional methods and equipment for

threshing. Threshing is done manually by beating the head of the plant with

sticks, beating the plant continually on a drum or stone or rubbing between stone

or wooden roller. In some cases manual threshing is accomplished either by

treading the grain under the feet of men or the hooves of animals. Apart from

large labor requirement, this is a very arduous task. In addition the grain becomes

contaminated with debris from where the beating is done (Kaul and Egbo, 1985).

A wooden mortar and pestle is also a simple device for manual threshing, but the

out put is low.

Irrespective of the traditional method employed for grain threshing, manual

cleaning of the threshed grain follows the threshing. Manual cleaning involves

tossing the threshed crop into a natural breeze and catching the grain or seed. The

wind carries away the chaff and dust (winnowing).

1.3.2 Mechanical threshing

In mechanical threshing, mechanical devices/machines are used. Mechanical

threshers are available for threshing and ranges from simple foot operated light

machines (threshers) to a highly sophisticated combine harvester.

The basic unit of threshing machines is a beater which beats or rubs the crop

against a stationary plate. The beater achieves detachment of the grain from the

ear head either by impact (beating) or by rubbing action, or by a combination of

the two. A cleaning unit which consists of a sieve and in some cases a fan or

blower is incorporated into these machines. Rotary threshers, power driven

stationary threshers, foot operated threshers, combine harvesters etc are example

of threshing machines. A combine is a reaper cum thresher put together to

perform three operations consisting of harvesting, threshing and cleaning the

grain from the straw in one operation.

Farmers, wherever in the world, practice one of these methods of threshing

depending on so many things as tradition, technology available, economy, etc.

Nigerian farmers are no exception, that is to say they do employ one or more of

these methods of threshing.

Dauda and Adgidzi (2002) reported that traditional methods of threshing in

Nigeria is by beating with stick or hitting the grain stalk or pods on the floor or

using the mortar and pestle. Ali (1999) reported that over the years different

mechanical means of threshing were introduced into Nigeria.

1.4 Statement of the Problem.

Threshing represents an important activity during the cropping season and it

determines to a large extent quantity and quality of what the farmers get as their

yield. Despite its importance, a lot of problems are still associated with threshing.
It is mostly done manually with resultant low output and high drudgery. Other

problems include spillage and contamination with sand and stones. When

mechanical threshers are available, high losses, breakages and low threshing

efficiency have been reported. Thus it is the aim of this study to establish in a

quantitative manner the current practice(s) with a view to fashioning out

actionable recommendations that could lead to improvement of the existing

threshing practices as relates to rice and sorghum.

1.5 Project Justification

Any work resulting in a scientifically established and documented knowledge

about the current practice of threshing in Kano State would help in upgrading the

practice. For example, if the nature of the problems is known, a solution in form

of an improved procedure or tool may be provided.

1.6 Aim and Objective

The aim of this project is to establish the current practice of rice and sorghum

threshing in Kano state. The specific objectives include:

1. To study and document the steps and processes used by the farmers in

threshing rice and sorghum.

2. To identify and measure dimensions of tools/devices used by the farmers

and establish the suitability or otherwise of the tools being used by the

farmers.

3. To carry out process studies and evaluate parameters such as output, losses

etc.
 4. To identify constraints in the existing process and make recommendations

for improvement.

1.7 Scope and Limitations

This project will establish the current practice of rice and sorghum threshing being

used by Kano state farmers. This project will be limited to rice and sorghum

threshing only. The project also selected two areas namely Kura and Dan bare

(kumbotso LG) for the study. These two areas are known for their rice and sorghum

production respectively.

1.8 Methodology

Questionnaire, direct interview, field study and observation will be used to obtain

the necessary information from the farmers in the selected areas.

Questionnaire will first be prepared and would contain questions on all

information required from the farmers. The focus of the questionnaire would

include:

i. The steps and tools they use for the threshing.

ii. Their performance level.

iii. Their problems and needs as regard to the threshing of their

products.

iv. Information on existing technology of threshing (if any) not being

used by them etc.

 Based on the response of these questionnaires, a number of the respondents

will be selected and field study and observation will be conducted, while they

are threshing.

Additional information will also be obtained from the ministry of agriculture

and KNARDA to compare with the results of the questionnaires administered

to the farmers.

The gathered information will then be analyzed using simple statistical

analysis.

To complete the work, discussion, suggestion and recommendations will

finely be made.

1.9 Significance of the Project

The project will give impetus towards upgrading the current practice of threshing

in Kano state. It will also result in an established and documented knowledge of

rice and sorghum threshing in Kano state which may help a later work on rice and

sorghum threshing in the area.