Jute Bags Research Articles

Assessment of losses due to pulse beetle in chickpea under stored conditions in Southern Haryana

The present study was carried out with the objective of assessing the losses caused by pulse beetle (Callosobruchus spp.) during storage of chickpea grains in various storage structures. It was found that, still farmers are using traditional storage structures (earthen pots, earthen pots + sand, jute bags). Chickpea grain samples (500g each) were collected during August, September and October from different storage structures (metal bins, plastic bags, gunny bags, earthen pots and earthen pots + sand) in 15 villages of Rewari, Hisar and Mahendergarh district in the year 2017 and 2018. The results of analysed samples revealed that the highest infestation was observed in Rewari followed by Hisar and Mahendergarh district. It was found that maximum number of farmers were using metal bins (51.45, 40.11%) followed by gunny bugs (31.79, 31.64%), plastic bags (16.76, 15.82%), Earthen pots (6.51, 7.91%) and Earthen pots + sand (2.35, 4.52%) to store the chickpea grains in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Out of total samples infested with bruchid, 70.91 & 53.63 per cent gunny bag samples were found infested followed by plastic bags (48.28 & 20.29%), metal bins (11.24 & 15.94%) and earthen pots (9.80 & 10.14%) in both the years. There was no infestation of pulse beetle observed in those samples which were stored in earthen pots along with sand. Higher moisture percentage in the grain and infestation of pulse beetle was observed in the month of September followed by October in comparison to August month. Among the storage structures in frequent use, metal bins were found to have less qualitative and quantitative losses of seed/grains.

Influence of edible coatings and packaging on quality and shelf-life of carrot stored under ambient conditions

Experiments were conducted to assess the integrated effect of edible coatings viz. pectin and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and packaging on quality parameters and biochemical attributes of carrot stored under ambient conditions (Temp 15.4–24.5°C, RH 48–91%). Carrots of variety Punjab Carrot Red were harvested, washed, surface dried, and coated with pectin (0.5%, 1%) and CMC (0.5%, 1%), respectively. Samples were kept in open trays, jute and perforated bags and were stored under ambient conditions. Coating and packaging slowed down the changes in weight, colour, texture, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid content, titrable acidity and total phenolics during storage. Coating and packaging also resulted in enhancement in activities of antioxidative enzymes. Among all the coatings, 0.5% pectin and among different packaging, jute bags packed samples exhibited highest maintenance in the quality parameters as well as highest activities of antioxidative enzymes. Coating with 0.5% pectin combined with jute bags packaging maintained the quality parameters to greater extent possibly by reducing the oxidative stress and has potential to enhance the shelf life of carrot under ambient conditions.

Thermal and breathability management of microencapsulated phase change material (MPCM) incorporated jute fabric

Jute bags are widely used to carry food grains and other materials that may be prone to quality deterioration due to thermal fluctuation. Thermal and moisture properties play a significant role in the packaging materials in the form of a container. This study deals with the effect of microencapsulated phase change material (MPCM) with hydrophobic binder on thermal and moisture management properties of jute fabric. Jute fabric was treated with MPCM by pad-dry-cure method. The treated sample was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning colorimeter (DSC), scanning electron microscope (SEM), moisture management tester (MMT), and air permeability tester. The results revealed that MPCM treated jute fabric shows greater thermal stability and heat absorption ability of 10.58 J/g while changing from solid to liquid phase. The SEM image ensures even distribution of MPCMs on fabric surface and surface roughness was also observed using image processing software. The air permeability was found to decrease whereas the water repellency enhanced in the developed sample.

Mesothelioma in Agriculture in Lombardy, Italy: An Unrecognized Risk.

Cohort studies showed consistently low risks for malignant mesothelioma (MM) among agricultural workers, however the investigated exposures did not include asbestos. Our aim is to describe sources of asbestos exposure of MM in agriculture. Twenty-six MM cases in agricultural or seed trades workers were identified through the MM registry of the Lombardy region, Italy in 2000–2016. Asbestos exposures were investigated through a standardized questionnaire. The most frequent exposure circumstances were recycled jute bags previously containing asbestos (11 cases) and maintenance and repair of asbestos roofs (12 subjects). Three subjects performed maintenance and repair of tractor asbestos brakes and two used asbestos filters for wine production. Our data suggest asbestos exposure opportunities in the agricultural setting, underlining the need to look for this exposure in subjects affected with mesothelioma.

Nutritional potential of (dc.) Hochst. pods in the semi-arid zone of Nigeria

ThestudywasconductedtoevaluatethenutritivevaluesofPiliostigmareticulatumpodsfrom field grown stands within the semi-arid zone of Nigeria. 250 fruiting trees from five locations within coordinates of longitude 11 42' to 12 27' and latitude 07 29' to 11 04' with 50 stands per location were monitored up to pod maturity to 80% dried pods. The harvested pods were sampled and bulked in 50kg jute bag per location and analyzed for nutritive values, antinutritional factors (ANFs), macro-and micro-minerals.Multi-stage sampling technique was employed to select the fruiting trees and which were monitored incompletely randomized design (CRD). The results revealed that locations had significant differences (P<0.05) in all parameters evaluated except for Phytate (PHY) and Saponins (SAP). DM (94.83%), OM (89.23%), EE (3.66%), K (14.05g/kg) and Cu (35.53mg/kg) obtained from Itas-Gadau were statistically superior (P<0.05) to others; sample obtained from Dutse-Ma proved superior (P<0.05) in ASH (6.16%), CP (19.46%), P (1.06g/kg), Zn (33.26mg/kg), Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) (0.36mg/g) and Tannins (TAN) (1.21mg/g); Results obtained from Potiskum revealed superiority (P<0.05) in CF (16.90%), NDF (53.17%) and HEMCELL (13.62%) than others; Jahun sample lead (P<0.05) in NFE (68.94%), ADF (40.51%) and Mn (208.77mg/kg) and sample from Dambatta had higher values (P<0.05) in Ca (2.08g/kg) and Fe (29.80mg/kg). The study concluded that the values obtained on nutritive, antinutritive and minerals compositions of Piliostigma reticulatum pods were within the recommended requirement for ruminant nutrition and therefore recommended its use as feedstuff.

Growth response, carcass characteristics and egg laying performance of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica ) fed diets containing varying levels of fermented cassava (Manihot esculenta ) peel meal

A two phased experimental study was conducted on 300, two-weeks-old Japanese quails to determine the effect of feeding diets containing varying levels of fermented cassava (Manihot esculenta ) peel meal on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and egg production of Japanese quail ( ). Japanese quails with mean initial body weight of 26.67 g and of mixed sexes were used. Fermented cassava peel meal (FCPM) was prepared by soaking fresh cassava peels in water (that is twice its weight) for three days. Thereafter, the peels were put in a jute bag and kept for 12 hours under a hydraulic press; sundried for a few days and milled using an attrition mill. During the growing phase, the birds were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments with 75 birds per treatment, each replicated three times, with the diets containing FCPM replacing 0, 25, 50 and 75 % maize to form diets T , T , T and T respectively. The diets were isonitrogenous, containing 24 % crude protein, and fed to the experimental birds for six weeks. Data were collected on feed intake, growth performance and carcass characteristics. The laying phase involved 120 female quails from he growing phase that were sexed to retain only the females. They were then allotted to four dietary treatments of three replicates per treatment; with 10 birds per replicate. The birds were fed the experimental diets containing FCPM replacing 0, 25, 50 and 75 % maize for eight weeks, and data were collected on egg production and egg quality parameters. Results show significant (p<0.05) differences in daily feed intake and nutrient digestibility among the treatments, while daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were not significantly (p>0.05) different, during the growing phase. For the laying phase, there were no significant (p>0.05) differences in daily feed intake, hen day production (HDP) and all the egg quality traits determined. Therefore, it can be concluded that dietary maize could be replaced with FCPM up to 50 % and 75 % in growing quails without any deleterious effects on growth performance and carcass characteristics respectively; whereas it can replace up to 75 % in the diet of laying Japanese quails without any adverse effect on egg production and egg quality traits.

Improvement of nutritional, functional and pasting properties of long and short local rice grains during germination

Poor nutritive value of cereals results in the prevalence of disease and poor physical development among the vulnerable groups in developing African nations. Most importantly, germination of these edible seeds had been shown to increase nutrient content further and reduce anti-nutrients. The objective of the current research was to investigate the effects of germination on nutritional, functional and pasting properties of long and short grain rice grown in the northern part of Nigeria. The rough paddy rice (long and short grain) was cleaned, washed thoroughly in water and soaked in water 1:2 w/v for 24 hr at ambient temperature (26±2 oC). The drained rice was placed in the jute bags and germinated at temperature 35 ± 2 °C and relative humidity 95 ± 2% for 1, 3 and 5 days. After germination, the grains were dried to 12% moisture content. Non-germinated grains were included as control. Nutritional, functional and pasting properties were determined in grain flours using standard methods. Germination process significantly (p≤0.05) increased the protein, fat and fibre content of both rice types. Germination also caused a significant interference in the calcium, potassium and zinc concentration of both rice types. Bulk density values ranged between 0.74-0.94 and 0.66-0.86 g/mL for long and short grain, respectively. There was a significant difference (p≤0.05) among the samples in water absorption capacity (1.54-2.60 g/mL), oil absorption capacity (1.78-3.75 g/mL) and swelling power (2.87-4.56 g/g) with the non-germinated samples having the highest values. Similarly, there were significant differences in pasting properties such as viscosity and pasting time of non-germinated and germinated rice types. Therefore, germination process enhanced nutritional and functional properties though pasting properties of both rice types were adversely affected. Germinated flour from long and short grain rice could be used to improve the nutritional status of rice-consuming population, especially children.

Drying and packaging methods impact the bacoside profile and microbiological quality of Brahmi herb (Bacopa monnieri L.) during storage

Retention of quality in herbal drugs during drying and storage is of great concern and the information is lacking in an important memory enhancing medicinal herb Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri L.). This is the first ever report on effect of drying methods, packaging materials as well as storage duration on the bacoside A profile and microbiological quality. Freshly harvested herbage was dried with five different methods of drying viz., shade, sun, solar tunnel, cabinet, low cost polyhouse, followed by packing dried herbage for five months duration in different containers viz., polythene lined jute bags, woven polypropylene sacks, corrugated fiber board boxes, and 125 μm thick high density polyethylene containers. Drying of fresh herbage at 50 °C for 12 h in cabinet drier retained the highest bacoside A components compared with all other methods. Solar tunnel drying was the second best method, while conventional shade dried samples recorded lowest bacoside A level. Bacoside A profile in cabinet samples immediately after drying was 4.8 mg/g bacoside A3, 6.0 mg/g bacopaside II, 5.0 mg/g jujubogenin isomer of bacopasaponin C and 4.6 mg/g bacopasaponin C. Ambient temperature storage (23 ± 2 °C) for five months resulted in loss of bacoside A from the herbage; but packaging in high density polyethylene significantly reduced the loss compared with other packages irrespective of the drying methods. Cabinet dried samples stored in high density polyethylene packages for five months possessed 3.0 mg/g bacoside A3, 4.1 mg/g bacopaside II, 2.5 mg/g bacopasaponin C and 3.2 mg/g jujubogenin isomer of bacopasaponin C. The microbiological quality was also satisfactory during storage in high density polyethylene container. Thus, the work identified a protocol for hygienic way of drying and packaging of Brahmi to retain the bacosides during storage.

Comparison of the efficiency of Deebag and jute made bag for faecal sludge management and wastewater treatment

Faecal Sludge Management (FSM) has become a prominent environmental concern in the today's world. Dewatering of sludge and the treatment of wastewater (WW) are the prime spiny issue because of the deleterious essence of faecal sludge (FS) and WW in the environment. The main focus of this study was on FSM by 'Deebag' and 'Jute Bag' through dewatering and filtering. Deebag is a dewatering as well as filtering media which is made with geotextile and polypropylene. Contrariwise, three types of jute bags were made of jute fiber for using as the same purposes of Deebag. A polyacrylamide polymer was used in this study and both filtering and dewatering were done in two ways-with and without the presence of polymer. Biochemical Oxygen Demand at 5 days (BOD5), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Chloride (Cl-), Phosphate (PO43-), Nitrate (NO3-), Total Suspended Solid (TSS) and Total Dissolved Solid (TDS) parameters of raw and filtering samples were analyzed to assess the performance of WW treatment by Deebag and jute bags. Only using polymer was observed as one kind of treatment of WW. Deebag has been found to show the maximum dewatering capacity as well as treatment efficiency comparing with the jute bags. However, among three types of jute bags, double jute layered bag has shown the best performance. Maximum dewatering for Deebag and jute bags were found 88% and 83% respectively while using the polymer.

К вопросу об эко-, съедобной и быстроразлагающейся упаковке в пищевой индустрии

At the moment, all economically developed countries face the problem of pollution of the surrounding world, and one of the main pollutants is packaging. Packaging helps to preserve its contents from various damages, and informative and attractive packaging is an indispensable attribute of the marketing process. Most products are Packed in a huge amount of film and paper, which is thrown out by the consumer to the landfill. As a result, there are growing landfills for garbage, 40 % of which is disposable packaging. In the conditions of increased demand for so-called healthy food products, the question of packaging this food in no less "healthy" packaging arose. Eco-friendly, biodegradable, and edible packaging is one of the relatively new trends in the field of ecology. The international standard ASTM D-6400 "Standard specification for marking plastics intended for aerobic composting in municipal or industrial facilities" regulates the development of bioplastic mass technologies. According to the Standard specification for compostable plastics, biodegradable and decomposable plastics are classified into the following groups: starch, cellulose and protein based plastics; aliphatic polyesters; polylactic acids; polytrihydroxybutyrate; polyhydroxalkanoates; bio-derived polyethylene and lipid-derived polymers. According to the method of decomposition, bioplastics are divided into compostable plastic and photo-degradable plastics. The range of biodegradable plastics includes: starch; natural polyesters; renewable resource polyesters; synthetic aliphatic polyesters; aliphatic-aromatic co-polyesters; hydro-biodegradable polyester; water-soluble polymers; photo-biodegradable plastics and controlled degradation of dietary supplements. In the Russian Federation, the issues of bioplastic production have not been developed and are not legally fixed. Today, the main types of edible packaging include natural casings for meat products, wafer cups for ice cream, craft paper, cardboard, wood, cellulose, and others. Jute bags are a potential biodegradable packaging material. Many companies produce modern disposable eco-friendly dishes made of wood, bamboo, carbonized bamboo, sugar cane and other eco-friendly materials without the use of chemicals.

Impact of hermetic packaging on green gram (Vigna radiata) insect and microbial damage under environmental storage condition

Green gram (Vigna radiata) is an important income generation crop for millions of farmers and processing units in India. In most developing countries, the post-harvest losses associated with this crop remain a major concern. This case investigates the impact of hermetic and non-hermetic packaging material on the green gram in tropical ambient storage. The green gram was held for 180 days in hermetic bags, plastic containers, and jute bags. Calculated parameters were the amount of moisture, the infestation of insects, the weight of 1,000 seeds, and the microbial load. In hermetic bags, the moisture content decreased a little, from 13.37 to 12.60% compared to the sharp decline in the non-hermetic plastic containers and jute bags of 13.70 to 11.90% and 13.70 to 8.30%, respectively. The insect population drastically reduced in the hermetic bags 30 days onwards and reached to zero by 60 days of storage. In this study, non-hermetic plastic containers and jute bags, the population of live insects increased 30 days onwards. The weight of 1000 grains in jute bags decreased significantly from 64.50 g to 56.11 g, while the hermetically stored kernels decreased to just 63.75 g. In non-hermetic plastic containers were significantly superior over other treatments with the least bacterial count (1.55 x 106cfu/gm) followed by hermetic bags (1.65x 106 CFU/gm) and jute bags. Based on our findings, the hermetic bag is better packaging material as far as spoilage due to insects and fungi is concerned that is followed by a plastic container and jute bag. At the same time, the jute bag was having the highest bacterial load followed by a hermetic bag and plastic container. It was thus concluded that hermetic storage could be a better way than non-hermetic storage to store green gram.

Effect of fruit bagging on yield and quality of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Tomato crop requires some of the basic practices during cultivation to obtained high yield and quality attributes without affected from adverse biotic and abiotic factors. These attributes can be maintained though several ways, which will have beneficial for the farmers to fetching better economy from the quality produce into the domestic market or by, export. Among the various practices, fruit bagging has emerged as an effective method. Bagging is a physical protection method which not only improves the visual quality of fruit by promoting skin coloration and reducing blemishes but can also change the micro-environment for fruit development, which can have several beneficial effects on internal fruit quality. Seven different type of bagging (Fruit covering materials) were applied in five randomized selected plants from each plot. These seven bagging are News Paper bagging, Butter Paper bagging, Transparent Polythene Bagging, Black polythene bagging, Muslin net (cloth) bagging, jute bagging and No bagging (control). Different treatments have been shown various effects viz: significantly highest fruit yield (3.136 kg/plant) has been recorded under butter paper bagging. Lowest fruit yield was recorded under control (2.250 kg/plant) closely followed by jute bag bagging (2.752 kg/plant). Significantly highest ascorbic acid (27.33 mg100-1g) was recorded in butter paper bag while lowest ascorbic acid content (19.36 mg100-1g) was recorded in control fruits.

Status of drying fish, marketing channel and associated problems in the Kuakata coast of Patuakhali district, Bangladesh

The present study was conducted to know the fish drying activities, species used in fish drying and marketing channel of dried fish in Kuakata coast of Patuakhali district of Bangladesh. Sea fishes are mostly used for drying and dry fish producers collected raw fishes from arat (landing centers) (70%), fishermen (25%) and little amount from own capture (5%). It was found that 21 fish species were used for drying among them 3 species (Harpadon nehereus, Setipinna phasa, Lepturacanthus savala) were commonly used and other 18 species were fairly used. The peak fish drying season was observed at mid-October to mid-February (in Bengali Kartik to Magh). It was observed that the dry fish producers used salt to produce good quality dry fish and salt mixing rate is 2 kg salt for 30-35 kg raw fish. The duration of drying at normal weather condition is varied between 3-5 days depending on the size of fishes. After drying, the dried fishes were packed in either jute bags or polythene bags and stored at room temperature for marketing. About 95% dried fish products are sold in the wholesale market at Chittagong, Syedpur, and Dhaka and rest 5% sold to the local retail market. However, three (3) step dried fish marketing channels were observed in the study area. The producers sold their product at very lower price and it ranged between Tk. 120-3200 per Kg. The retail price of the dried fishes ranged from Tk. 200-3500 per Kg. The dry fish producers and intermediaries faced various problems like inadequate capital, natural calamities, lack of scientific knowledge and technology, price instability, lack of transport facilities, inadequate storage facilities, lack of physical marketing facilities and marketing information.
 Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2020, 5 (2), 48-59

Storage of chickpea grains (Cicer arietinum L.) in triple layer bags prevent losses caused by Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) under laboratory conditions

Present study envisages the potential of triple layer bags for reducing pulse beetle infestation under laboratory conditions over six months of storage. It was observed that when chickpea grain was stored in jute bags with bruchid infestation, the germination percentage decreased significantly from 84.67 to 18.67% in six months of storage. But, the grain stored in jute bags without infestation the germination percentage decreased from 92.00 to 73.33% only. On the other hand, grains stored in triple layer bags with bruchid infestation, the germination percentage merely decreased from 86.00 to 78.33% in six months of storage and triple layer bags without infestation the germination percentage only decreased from 91.67 to 90.67%. The per cent grain damage over a period of six months storage also increased significantly from 14.54 to 70.67% and 0.00–26.45% in jute bag with bruchid infestation and jute bag without infestation, respectively. However, per cent grain damage in triple layer bags with bruchid infestation increased only from 15.15 to 25.70% and triple layer bags without bruchid infestation showed negligible increase from 0.00 to 2.64% grain damage in six months of storage. The corresponding per cent weight loss of infested grain was increased significantly from 8.51 to 55.67% in six months of storage in jute bag with bruchid infestation and from 0.00 to 15.08% in jute bag without infestation. Whereas, per cent weight loss of infested grain in triple layer bags with bruchid infestation increased only from 7.83 to 15.70 in six months of storage and triple layer bags without bruchid infestation recorded a mere per cent increase in weight loss from 0.00 to 1.48%. Benefit cost ratio showed that grains stored in triple layer bags for 6 months has highest benefit cost ratio (1.23) compared to jute bag storage (0.39).

Assessment of Deoxynivalenol in Wheat, Corn and Its Products and Estimation of Dietary Intake.

The main goal of the present research was to explore the seasonal variation of deoxynivalenol (DON) in wheat, corn, and their products, collected during 2018–2019. Samples of 449 of wheat and products and 270 samples of corn and their products were examined using reverse-phase liquid chromatography with a UV detector. The findings of the present work showed that 104 (44.8%) samples of wheat and products from the summer season, and 91 (41.9%) samples from winter season were contaminated with DON (concentration limit of detections (LOD) to 2145 µg/kg and LOD to 2050 µg/kg), from summer and winter seasons, respectively. In corn and products, 87 (61.2%) samples from summer and 57 (44.5%) samples from winter season were polluted with DON with levels ranging from LOD to 2967 µg/kg and LOD to 2490 µg/kg, from the summer and winter season, respectively. The highest dietary intake of DON was determined in wheat flour 8.84 µg/kg body weight/day from the summer season, and 7.21 µg/kg body weight/day from the winter season. The findings of the work argued the need to implement stringent guidelines and create awareness among farmers, stakeholders, and traders of the harmful effect of DON. It is mostly observed that cereal crops are transported and stockpiled in jute bags, which may absorb moisture from the environment and produce favorable conditions for fungal growth. Therefore, these crops must store in polyethylene bags during transportation and storage, and moisture should be controlled. It is highly desirable to use those varieties that are more resistant to fungi attack. Humidity and moisture levels need to be controlled during storage and transportation.

Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Market Price of Jute in India

Jute is an important natural fiber crop cultivated in about 4 million hectares in India. Jute has the major export potential contributing to Rs.1, 000 to 1,200 crores annually. During the on-going pandemic COVID-19, the procurement is still lesser than the usual amount. As a result of the increase in demand for jute bags, there was an increase in the price of jute bags. But, the effect of COVID-19 on the prices of raw jute in the markets was not explored as most of the concerns are directed towards the jute industry and workers. Therefore, the study was carried out to assess the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the market price of jute. The secondary data of market price and market arrival of jute before COVID-19 pandemic and during COVID-19 pandemic were collected from the official website of the Directorate of Marketing & Inspection (DMI), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India for Champadanga (Hooghly), Jiaganj (Murshidabad), Katwa (Burdwan) markets in West Bengal and the data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Despite the price decrease during the pandemic, there was no significant difference in the price of jute before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were many variations in the market price of jute during the COVID-19 pandemic since the lockdown was enforced in five stages with strict restrictions in transport and other activities in the initial stages followed by relaxation in transport and other activities subsequently. There was a significant difference in the market arrivals of jute before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The arrival of jute in the market increased during COVID-19 compared to before COVID-19 because of the demand created for jute bags during lockdown due to closure of jute mills. There was a significant relationship between market price and market arrival during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the quantity of jute arrival increases the price of jute decreases in the market. Farmers did not bear the brunt of COVID-19 as much as the workers in the jute mills, it is, perhaps, because of the schedule of sowing and harvesting. As of now, the MSP for jute is less than the market price. Therefore, it is recommended that the MSP for jute should be increased to safeguard the interests of the jute farmers.

Hermetic sealed storage IRRI super bag: Reduces post-harvest losses in seed grains

Post-harvest losses occur due to poor storage system, which deteriorates seed quality. All traditional storage systems like jute bags, PVC/woven bags, clay pots, drums etc. are not really hermetic and can’t store seed or grain safely for longer time. It would be difficult to measure the loss due to physiological changes in seed at the farm level. An attempt was, therefore, made to control the insect-damage, maintain germination and proper moisture level in IRRI Super bags at farmer’s level. Visualising this, the on-farm study at BAU, KVK Sabour, Bhagalpur and ICAR, KVK Buxar was conducted during 2015-16. Lentil seeds used for research in KVKs were initially dried to moisture content ranging from 12.1 to 13.9% and cooled in shade before storage. There was merely 0-1% increase in moisture-content after storage in Super bags, whereas it increased by 1.6-2.0% in jute bags which attracted more insect-pest infestation and reduced germination. There was no or negligible count of dead or alive insect-pests infesting Super-bag stored seed, while noticeable count of dead and live insects was recorded into grains. Seed germination ability remained unaffected in Super bags, but it drastically deteriorated (8.5-10.9%) in jute-bag stored seed at different locations. Discolouration of seed stored in Super bag was also lesser as compared to that stored in jute bag. It implies that IRRI Super bags are suitable for lentil seed storage in room condition. Though the cost of Super bag is a bit higher than jute bag, but its benefits well-nigh compensate the cost.

Study of Waste Jute Fibre Panels (Corchorus capsularis L.) Agglomerated with Portland Cement and Starch.

This paper presents an experimental study on the bond behaviour of cement panels reinforced with plant fibres from the recycling of waste jute bags, using starch as a plasticiser. During processing, different proportions of jute (5 wt %, 10 wt %, 15 wt %, and 20 wt %) were used with respect to the weight of cement, and the mixture was exposed to a pressure of 2.6 MPa and a temperature of 100 °C. The density, swelling thickness, internal bonding, flexural strength, and thermal conductivity were studied. Mechanical tests indicated that the values of the modulus of rupture (MOR) and the modulus of elasticity (MOE) increased over time; thus, the jute particles appeared to be protected by the plasticised starch and no degradation was observed. At 28 days, the particleboard with 5% starch had an MOR of 12.82 MPa and an MOE of 3.43 GPa; these values decreased when the jute proportion was higher. The thermal conductivity varied from 0.068 to 0.085 W·m−1·K−1. The main conclusion is that jute-cement-starch composite panels can be manufactured with physical, mechanical, and thermal properties that meet the European standards for use in the construction of buildings as partitions, interior divisions, and thermal insulators.

Comparative study on storage behaviour of wheat in different storage bags

A hermetic storage bags is a safe, cost-effective storage method that controls insect infestations in addition to preserving the quality of grains, while allowing for pesticide-free, short-term and long-term qualitative and quantitative seed preservation, without refrigeration, maintaining seed vigor and pest control. Hermetic bags need to be validated for its effectiveness in hermetic storage of food grains under Bihar condition. The present study was undertaken in response to requests by farmers, traders and private seed companies to determine the effectiveness of hermetic bags for storage of wheat grain. Hence, a comparative study on storage behavior of wheat in different storage bags was made to assess the qualitative and quantitative loss and to validate the advantages of hermetic super grain bags over the conventional storage bags used in the region. Fresh and healthy wheat seeds were cleaned and graded. The experiment consisted of seven treatments using four different types of bags – Hermetic grain bags, Polythene bags, Jute bags and Plastic bags by using one chemical fumigant (Aluminium Phosphide) and dried Neem leaves. There was no any treatment in grain stored in hermetic grain bag. For neem treatment, the fresh neem leaves were taken from the tree and dried by sun drying method. The fumigant (Aluminium Phosphide) popularly known as sulphash were used. was taken and following consideration is drawn from the study, The variation in grain moisture content, water activity and germination percent of wheat was least in the hermetic grain bag while maximum in Jute bag. Germination percentage of wheat stored was maximum in super grain bag throughout the storage period than other storage modes/treatments. The variation in colour index was least in super grain bag showing the minimal effect of ambient condition to the stored wheat grain. Wheat can be stored under ambient conditions up to 3 months in hermetic storage bag with minimum qualitative and quantitative loss. There is no requirement of any chemical treatment of grains stored in hermetic super bags as the micro environment developed is sufficient enough to restrict the growth of pests, insects and micro-organism.

Effects of Malting on Nutritional Characteristics of Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan)

Background/Objective: Malting is a process that is not expensive and is technologically effective in improving the nutritional quality of food. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of malting on the nutritional characteristics of pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan).
 Materials and Methods: The pigeon pea seeds were sorted and washed. The seeds were then steeped in water at 29°C for 24 hours. Changing of water at 6 hours interval was observed during steeping. The resultant steeped seeds were spread on jute bag and were covered with white cotton cloth to germinate for 72 hours. The sprouted seeds were oven dried at a temperature of 50°C for 1 hour and thereafter, the plumules were separated from the seed and the malted seeds were dried and milled into flour. Both the raw and malted samples were subjected to laboratory analysis for proximate, mineral element composition, anti-nutrients and functional properties. The results were determined in triplicate and subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS version 20.
 Results: The result of the proximate analysis showed that the samples were generally low in moisture which are 12.81±0.07 and 15.10±0.81%, protein content are 19.01±0.08 and 22.10±0.16%, Ash content are 2.27±0.23 and 3.18±0.47%, Fat content are 1.02±0.32 and 1.68±0.81%, fibre content are 0.45±0.52 and 1.23±0.63%, carbohydrate are 57.37±0.28 and 63.78±0.01% and energy were 300.32 and 326.20 Kcal/100 g for raw and malted sample respectively. The result of minerals are iron 0.13±0.12 and 1.03±0.08 mg/100 g, magnesium 50.30±0.01 and 68.24±0.45 mg/100 g, zinc 0.27±0.21 an 0.88±0.32 mg/100 g, phosphorus 13.10±0.57 and 18.30±0.32 mg/100 g, potassium 2.10±0.62 and 4.50±0.08 mg/100 g, sodium 6.10±0.31 and 9.33±0.07 mg/100 g and calcium 7.28±0.41 and 10.11±0.22 mg/100 g for raw and malted sample respectively. The anti-nutrients determined are phytate 19.86±0.03 and 7.22±0.78 mg/100 g, oxalate 1.78±0.03 and 0.02±0.42 mg/100 g, trypsin inhibitor 40.53±0.42 and 10.30 m±0.07 g/100 g, tannins 28.80±0.50 and 9.12±0.18 mg/100 g and hydrogen cyanide 1.63±0.68 and 0.68±0.04 mg/100 g, for the raw and malted pigeon pea respectively. The functional properties are Bulk density 0.62±0.81 and 0.98±0.01 g/cm3, water absorption capacity 227.05±0.24 and 261.220.38%, oil absorption capacity 162.72±0.11 and 170.54%±0.42, foaming capacity 18.80±0.28 and 37.73±0.21% and swelling capacity 4.08±0.13 and 6.24±0.31%.
 Conclusion: It was observed that highly nutritious flour can be produced from pigeon pea using malting.