A new mobile application developed by Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) is helping researchers and industry professionals evaluate rice grain quality faster and more accurately.
Traditionally, measuring the physical traits of rice grains such as length, width, and shape has been a slow and meticulous process. It took about 10 minutes just to assess 20 grains using a manual caliper. Now, a smartphone camera and a few taps on a screen are all it takes.
Developed by PhilRice’s Rice Chemistry and Food Science Division, in collaboration with its Information Systems Division and Data Analytics Center, the new app cuts evaluation time by up to 80%, providing near-instant results with 98% accuracy.
“This app lets us measure grain characteristics in just seconds. It saves us valuable time and allows us to focus on other essential lab work,” said Dr. Henry M. Corpuz, PhilRice chemist and food technologist.
Using the app is simple: users place ten rice grains apart on a flat surface, take a photo using their phone’s camera, and tap “analyze.” The app then processes the image and automatically generates the grains’ physical measurements.
“It uses pixel data from the phone’s camera to perform the calculations. This means analysts no longer have to rely on tedious manual tools. It ensures consistent and accurate results every time,” said Ma. Angelique N. dela Cruz, PhilRice IT specialist.
The app has been pilot-tested at several major agricultural institutions including the Philippine Sino-Center for Agricultural Technology, the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, and DA Regional Field Office III. It is now being prepared for broader deployment.
The app is also expected to benefit rice millers and quality inspectors who rely on grain appearance to determine if rice meets buyer or market standards.
“Quality is a big deal, especially for millers. With this app, they can instantly spot high-quality grains that meet their specifications,” Corpuz said.
With laboratory operations evaluating up to 300 samples, the app’s efficiency is expected to have a significant impact.
Additionally, PhilRice is working on another mobile application designed to measure the amylose content and gelatinization temperature of rice, which will allow researchers to assess its cooking and eating quality.
PhilRice is also developing another mobile app that will help assess cooking and eating quality of rice such as its amylose content and gelatinization temperature—two key factors that influence rice texture and taste.
