After harvesting farmers bring in their produce to the rice mills for sale. VEEJAY RICE MILL has its purchase points established in the heart of major growing areas in Kerala and hence remains in easy reach of the farmers.

Before a particular lot of paddy is purchased, it is subjected to various tests. This includes inspection by a team of experienced selectors and paddy-experts, tests for moisture contents, kett-test, field admixture etc. Samples are then processed in the mini mill to determine yield, kett-test and after-cooking characteristics. A lot is purchased only when it meets the stringent quality requirements of the company. Preference is however, given to farmers who coordinate with VEEJAY RICE MILL's staff from seedling to harvesting stage Selection of paddy is a process where a rice mill needs to devote most of its energies, expertise and time. Quality of final product largely depends upon the paddy procured. Paddy is purchased at the beginning of rice season that effectively eliminates all chances of mixing of inferior varieties. This is so because paddy of different varieties of rice matures at different times and cannot be mixed with each other. On the other hand semi-processed rice available with brokers during rest of the year remains prone to mixing that is often hard to detect.

One of the main peculiarities of rice is enhancement in its taste and aroma when it is seasoned for eight-to-nine months. VEEJAY RICE MILL has made it part of its policy to sale only seasoned rice for consumption by its customers.

This makes warehousing one very important step in the whole production process of the company. Stocks of brown rice are stored in well-ventilated and spacious warehouses of the company in Angamaly.

These stocks are kept in most hygienic conditions remaining under observation of VEEJAY RICE MILL's own staff.

During the period stocks remain in warehouses, these are subjected to regular inspection and fumigation from time-to-time against infestations by organisms.

Because of the fact that VEEJAY RICE MILL purchases large quantities of paddy at the beginning of season and a long maturing period of rice, inventory carrying cost of the company is quite high. It is, however, compensated well by the real- -experience by the consumers.

Rice is a delicate grain; requires extra care in processing. Any rough handling during processing can cause the grains to break or develop cracks. At VEEJAY RICE MILL's plant rice is gently milled in whitening machines in several passes to ensure efficient removal of bran. Number of passes depends upon the degree of whiteness required.Furthermore, rice is allowed to pass through mist polishers which impart an extremely clean and glossy white appearance to the kernels, a distinct advantage over traditional milling methods.