Hermetic storage - an ecofriendly safe storage method for long term storage of black gram:

Abstract

India is the primary origin of the black gram that is majorly cultivated in the southern part of Asian countries. About 70% of world black gram production comes from India. Black gram is more prone to insect infestation and microorganisms resulting in deterioration of grain quality. These losses can be controlled by following appropriate storage method at farmer’s level. Eco-friendly, safe storage methods are demanded by the customers due to food safety, quality and environmental issues. Hermetic storage is a safe storage method, suitable for long term storage without usage of chemical pesticides. It creates an air tight environment to rapidly exterminate insect development and suppresses micro floral activity. A study was conducted to identify the suitable, cost effective storage method for safe storage of black gram at the farm level. Hermetic bags were made by using different combinations of gunny, polypropylene & storezo bags for the safe storage of black gram. The properties of packaging materials viz., thickness, and water vapour transmission rate significantly affected the quality parameters of the black gram stored in various bags. Moisture content, thousand grain mass, bulk density, insect emergence, and germination percentage of black gram stored in various bags were studied over a storage period of 12 months. Black gram stored in polypropylene and gunny bags was infested with pulse beetle by the third month of the storage period. But black gram stored in bags with hermetic bag as inner layer was not infested up to 12 months and could retain the grain quality.