Traditional Storage Structures Research Articles

Assessment of Storage Structure, Cause of Gran Loss, and Methods Used to Control Storage Losses

Post-harvest losses, leading to substantial grain loss, stem from various factors such as insect infestation, mold growth, rodent damage, adverse weather conditions, and inadequate storage practices. This study investigates the storage structures employed by farmers in Zenzelma Kebele and identifies the primary causes of grain loss. Despite the persistence of traditional storage structures like "Gotera" and "Gota," there is a noticeable lack of adoption of improved storage methods. The research highlights insects and rodents as major contributors to grain loss, both in the field and during storage. Farmers mainly use chemical measures to combat these pests, including fumigation and pesticides like Malathion. Additionally, sun drying remains a widely used traditional method. The study's findings underscore the urgent need for integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and the development of cost-effective, environmentally sustainable solutions to reduce post-harvest losses. Understanding local farming practices is crucial for designing effective interventions that enhance food security and promote economic sustainability in maize production. By focusing on the specific conditions and practices in Zenzelma Kebele, this study provides valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities for improving grain storage and reducing losses. Tailored interventions, informed by local needs and practices, are essential to address these issues effectively. The adoption of improved storage techniques and IPM strategies can significantly reduce grain losses, thereby boosting food security and supporting the livelihoods of farmers. This research advocates for a holistic approach to pest management and storage practices, encouraging collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and farmers. By promoting sustainable agricultural practices and innovative storage solutions, we can work towards a more secure and prosperous future for maize producers in Zenzelma Kebele and beyond.

Analysis of wheat fungal community succession in traditional storage structures using Illumina MiSeq sequencing technology

The diversity of fungi in wheat with different deoxynivalenol (DON) content at various periods post-harvest and in the environment of storage were investigated. The changes in DON content were measured with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS), and an amplicon sequence analysis of fungi was performed in traditional storage structures using high-throughput sequencing. The changes in temperature, humidity, and CO2 concentration were collected by sensors. In addition, we analyzed principal component analysis, species composition, species differences, and community differences of fungi. There was an obvious separation of the fungal communities under different storage conditions and times. Many fungal genera were gradually decreasing during storage and were eventually undetectable, and many fungal genera that were undetectable at first gradually increased during storage and even became dominant fungal genera. The competition between fungi was fierce. The competition between fungi were affected by the presence of DON. As the initial DON content increased, the contribution of inter-group differences became more obvious. The temperature, humidity, and CO2 concentration of wheat in the silo's environment changed with extended storage time. The content of DON decreased with extended storage time. We had investigated the changes in DON content and their correlation with the changes in fungal communities and environmental factors, which showed a high degree of correlation. This study offers theoretical justification for optimizing safe wheat grain in traditional storage conditions.

THE EFFECT OF POST-HARVEST HANDLING PRACTICES ON THE QUALITY AND MARKETABILITY OF HARVESTED ONIONS IN JERE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, BORNO STATE, NIGERIA

This study examined the effects of post-harvest handling practices on the quality and marketability of onion in Jere Local Government Area. A total of 40 respondents who are into onion storage were selected for the study using a multi-stage sampling approach. A structured questionnaire served as the main instrument for the primary data was used while secondary data were also obtained. The analysis of the socio-economic characteristics revealed that; majority of the respondents (57.5%) fall within the age group of 36 - 45 years, emphasizing the predominance of economically active traders with an average age of 36.4 years. About 95% of respondents are males, reflecting a significant gender disparity in the onion storage sector. While education levels vary, a significant portion of respondents possess some formal education with majority 47.5% of respondents had non-formal education, this diversity highlights the potential influence of education on storage strategies and income diversification. The study reveals that most respondents (57.5%) have been involved in onion storage for 1 - 5 years, with an average of 6 years, indicating relatively low levels of experience. Challenges such as limited resources, traditional practices, and cultural factors contribute to this lack of experience. Traditional storage structures are the predominant choice, with 90% of respondents utilizing them, accompanied by a strong preference for woven sacks as packaging materials for onion storage due to their protective attributes. Various methods are employed to preserve onion freshness during storage, including floor spreading, enhanced ventilation, utilization of local stores, and other techniques. Statistical analysis reveals that onion size, proper storage, colour and firmness are found to positively influence quality of onion. Stocking size, price, packaging materials, experience and duration are found to positively influence marketability of onion. Moreover, the study underscores overwhelming support with majority 95% of respondents that support the adoption of improved post-harvest handling practices to reduce spoilage and elevate onion quality. The study concludes that the onion marketers practice on a small scale by storing onions in smaller quantity in traditional structures, using woven sacks for packaging. Size of onion, color, firmness significantly influences onion quality. Stocking size, quantity, duration significantly influence onion marketability. While the major constraints include poor handling, inadequate storage facilities and pest infestation.Key words: Post-harvest handling practices, onion, quality, marketability, Jere LGA, Borno.

Effect of different storage conditions on grain quality of paddy

The present investigation was carried out to study the physiological and biochemical changes of paddy grain (Oryza sativa L. var. Ranjit) throughout the course of a 12-month storage period, in an effort to determine the ideal storage conditions with the highest potential for storage under climacteric condition of Assam. Freshly harvested seeds of paddy grain (Ranjit) were stored under different storage conditions for a period of twelve months beginning in January. Based on the results of the study, it was found that the easily moisture permeable structures (T2, T3, T6) showed the maximum change in the physiological and biochemical parameters followed by permeable (T1 and T4) and impermeable (T5 and T7). The rate of change in the values of parameters in paddy stored in the prototype of a Grain safe™ in-store dryer (T7) was found slowest and sluggish, and maintained highest mean values amongst all the storage receptacles in respect of germination percentage, seed vigour index, head rice recovery, moisture content, total soluble protein content, starch content, total soluble sugar content, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar and amylose content. Significant superiority of hermetic storages (T5 and T7) over traditional storage structures (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T6) in Assam irrespective of all the parameters studied was noticed. Hermetic storage was effective at blocking the effects of external humidity fluctuations as well as the spread of fungi and insects. The solar in-store drier was found to be best amongst all storage structures, in all quality aspects of the long-term storage of paddy.

Comparing maize storage technologies for managing post-harvest loss in Bako, Ethiopia

Ethiopian stored maize is expected to lose between 20 and 30% of its stock due to insect damage. To reduce these losses, Ethiopian farmers use chemically treated traditional storage structures and chemical-free Hermetic Storage Technologies (HSTs). We evaluated the storage techniques used in the area in this study. SPSS software was used to analyse the collected data, and mean differences were compared. The findings showed that after nine months of storage, maize stored in plastic containers, Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags, chemically treated polypropylene bags, and chemically treated Goteras had grain damage of 4.83%, 5.65%, 56.83%, and 71.06%, respectively; the weight loss was 2.00%, 2.95%, 37.44%, and 56.87%. The percentage germination of maize grains stored in treated polypropylene bags and Goteras decreased from 55.33% to 48.48%, whereas maize contained in plastic containers and PICS bags dropped only slightly and was 98.83% and 95.80%, respectively. Insect development, maize grain damage, and weight loss were significantly reduced (p < 0.05) for plastic containers, PICS bags, chemically treated polypropylene bags, and treated Goteras. As a result, secure maize storage technology, such as hermetic storage technology, may alleviate poverty by increasing household income.

Effectiveness of different storage structures for the management of Mexican bean weevil, Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boheman) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) on stored common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fabaceae)

Common bean, Phaseolus vulgaris L. is an important source of protein and plays a crucial role to enhance food and nutrition security in Ethiopia. However, Mexican bean weevil, Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boheman) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) is a major constraint of stored common bean that leads to quantity and quality losses. In traditional storage structures, the grain storage period was reduced due to storage conditions and insect pest infestation. Laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of five different storage containers and structures namely: PICS bag, polyethylene bag, polypropylene bag, jute sack, and Diya (traditional structure) for the management of Z. subfasciatus. Percentage of insect damage, weight loss, and germination were evaluated at the monthly interval while proximate compositions were analyzed at the beginning and end of the storage period. The results indicated that significantly high grain damage, weight loss, and reduction in grain germination were observed in grain stored in farmer's storage facilities as compared to PICS bag.The moisture content of the grains decreased along the storage duration. Crude protein contents significantly decreased as the storage duration increased in all storage types except the PICS bag. A reduction in carbohydrate content was observed in Diya compared to other storage types. The results of this study demonstrated that the PICS bag reduces qualitative and quantitative losses in common beans caused by Z. subfasciatus. Further research should also be carried out on improving Diya, traditional structure.

Assessment of storage losses and comparison of underground and aboveground storage for better stability and quality of maize (zea mays l.) and sorghum (sorghum bicolor l.) grains in selected districts of jimma zone, Ethiopia

Production and marketing of cereal grains is one of main activities in low income countries farming system. However, yields are very low due to several factors associated with traditional practices. Despite low productivity, the postharvest loss (PHL) of grains mainly during storage is high due to storage pests. The study was conducted to assess storage related losses of grains (maize and sorghum) and compare aboveground and underground storage methods to minimize losses associated with traditional storage structures. In first phase of the study, base line data were collected using focus group discussion, key informants interview and semi-structured questioners. In the second phase, underground and aboveground storage methods were investigated along with their control for better stability of stored maize and sorghum. The survey result showed that, storage related losses (due to different factors) of maize and sorghum were 14.2 and 11.5% respectively. The major identified causes of losses were storage pests and losses due to seepage. In the second phase, from studied storage structures, grains stored in pit storage with PVC layer showed superior stability and quality in terms of prevention of pest attacks and proximate composition, respectively. The study demonstrated that, underground storage method supported with PVC lining was efficient in terms of enhancing storage stability of grains with required quality for consumption or marketing.

Current postharvest practices and aflatoxin contamination awareness amongst maize producers in Jimma Zone, Southwest of Ethiopia

Grain contamination by mycotoxins can cause significantly negative health and economic impact in areas where poor agricultural practices and food insecurity is prevalent. This study was conducted to investigate the current postharvest practices and aflatoxin contamination awareness level amongst maize producers in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. Semi-structured questionnaires were used for quantitative and qualitative data collection from 90 randomly selected maize producers in two districts through a cross-sectional study design. The study revealed poor postharvest practices due to lack of proper infrastructure. Maize is harvested after maturation with the use of traditional sun drying. Plastic sheets are commonly used to protect harvested maize from rain during field drying. The majority of the respondents reported the use of traditional storage structures (81.1%) with great potential for possible mould proliferation and aflatoxin production. Maize producers of up to 62.2% were ignorant about aflatoxins and up to 26.7% reported the possible usage of aflatoxin contaminated maize in human food preparation and animal feed production. Up to 53.3% of the respondents were ignorant of aflatoxin risks in human health and stability during food processing hence the usage of mouldy maize fortella brewing. Further investigations on aflatoxin levels in maize-based food and beverages, and human exposure studies are needed. Moreover, there is a need to enhance the maize producers’ knowledge on good agricultural practices and mycotoxicosis through awareness programmes.

Storage structures for horticultural crops: a review

Most of the horticultural crops are seasonal, having a relatively short harvesting season, and most of them are highly perishable. Hence, proper storage of the horticultural crops using appropriate methods would prolong their availability. The present article gives details about various storage structures classified into two categories, i.e., traditional storage/low-cost storage technologies and improved methods/ modern methods /high-cost storage technologies. Traditional storage structures can be beneficial for farmers needing a small-scale storage system. These systems include in-situ storage, sand and coir, clamps, pits, cellars, ventilated storage, and evaporative cooling. On the other hand, modern methods include refrigerated storages like cold storages, environment-controlled storage (controlled atmospheric storage), modified atmosphere storage, and hypobaric storage. All the storage methods are equally important and can provide high revenue to the farmers and food industries.

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.

Assessment of the effectiveness of storage structures for maintaining the quality of maize seed stored at different moisture levels

One of the main causes of food insecurity is the timely unavailability of quality seeds for smallholder farmers in developing countries. Improved storage technologies are effective in reducing storage losses. Thus, the objective of this research is to assess the traditional and emerging seed storage structures/materials for the maintenance of seed qualities. The effect of different storage conditions (moisture content of seed at the time of storage, i.e. 12±0.15% and 13.5±0.18%; storage containers such as metal bin, earthen pot, Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bag, and jute bag) on seed qualities of maize were assessed. The seed was collected from Chitwan, Nepal and a laboratory experiment was conducted at the central seed testing laboratory, seed quality control center (SQQC), Hariharbhawan, Lalitpur. The experiment was done using a two-factor complete randomized design in a four replicates design. Data regarding the seed qualities (seed moisture percentage, germination percentage, root and shoot length, and vigor index) just before store and also at 45, 90, 135, 180, and 240 days after storage (DAS) was performed as per the standard followed by International Seed Testing Association (ISTA). The germination percentage, root, and shoot length decreased with increasing storage duration. The seed stored in the higher moisture level had significantly higher seed moisture throughout the storage duration. Seed stored in the traditional structures (jute bag and earthen pot) had lower seed moisture at 120 and 180 DAS. The seed stored at lower moisture resulted in a higher germination percentage, long root, and shoot length. Up to six months of storage germination of maize seeds stored in the earthen pots, PICS bag, and Jute bags were statistically similar. The traditional storage structures are equally effective for the maintenance of seed quality of maize.

Assessment of quantitative and qualitative losses of stored grains due to insect infestation in Ethiopia

This study was designed to determine the quantitative and qualitative losses of stored grains that arise from insect infestation in three districts of southwestern Ethiopia. One district was selected from each zone based on the production potential of the target crops (maize, sorghum, wheat and fababean). A total of 240 farmers’ stores from all districts were randomly selected. The grain samples used in the present study were stored for 5 different time periods, ranging from 1 to 5 months and from the same farmers’ stores, to determine grain weight loss, insect damage, and nutritional losses. Grain damage showed significant differences over the storage periods across the study districts. A similar trend was observed for weight loss for each of the grains in all districts. The moisture content of the grains decreased along the storage duration. Crude protein and crude fat contents significantly decreased as the storage duration increased in all traditional storage types. Furthermore, the crude fibre and ash contents of the different grain types significantly increased as the storage duration increased in all storage types. These results demonstrated that traditional storage structures have a substantial effect on quantitative and qualitative losses of stored grains. This finding has great implications for food security and hidden nutritional deficits in society. Thus, there is a need to develop and disseminate storage technologies that minimize losses and that are affordable for small farm holders.

Indigenous Knowledge of Farmer on Grain Storage and Management Practice in Ethiopia

Maize is the primary staple crop grown, nearly in all agro-ecological zones of Ethiopia. Despite the steady production of maize, post-harvest losses of maize remained a serious challenge. In Ethiopia, traditionally farmers use different storages structure for their grain. Gombisa is one of above ground storage structure used by most of farmers. However, those traditional storage structures were not effective in protecting the grain from insect, microbial infestation and environmental factors. Farmers have indigenous knowledge of storage management practices to cop up with this post-harvest loss. The traditional wisdom and methods of storage can protect commodities from insect infestation for substantially longer periods. Among the farmers’ practices; sun drying, use of botanicals, hanging over fire, mixing with wood ash, mixing with partially ground chillies (hot pepper), and storing unshelled maize were some of the storage practice proven effective in minimizing storage infestation. Some of these practices were also effective in controlling mould development that leads to the occurrence of aflatoxin. This review suggested that, modifying traditional storage structure and providing improved storage systems that are affordable for smallholder farmers, could be a possible option to mitigate post-harvest loss.

Evaluating different hermetic storage technologies to arrest mold growth, prevent mycotoxin accumulation and preserve germination quality of stored chickpea in Ethiopia

Chickpea is an economically important pulse produced by millions of smallholder farmers as a source of food, income and nutrition in Ethiopia. Mold infection and mycotoxin production can potentially lead to significant losses of chickpea during storage. Under laboratory conditions we tested comparative effects of hermetic and traditional storage structures on mold infection, germination and mycotoxin levels of chickpea. Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags, Super GrainPro (SGP) bags, and small metal bins were compared to the traditional and popularly used chickpea storage structures such as polypropylene (PP) bags and jute bags over a six-month storage period. Oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, chickpea temperature and moisture, seed infection with molds and percentage germination and mycotoxins levels were determined every two months for six months. In PICS bags, SGP bags and metal bins chickpea temperature and moisture changed very little during storage, whereas in jute and PP bags significant temperature and moisture increases were observed. Oxygen levels in PICS and SGP bags decreased from 20% to 8–10% in six months and carbon dioxide levels increased from 0.4% to 10% in PICS bags and from 0.1% to 17% in SGP bags. In jute and PP bags, oxygen levels were around 20% but carbon dioxide levels increased from 0.05% to 0.1–0.2%, perhaps due to mold activity. Mold infection decreased over time in chickpea stored in PICS bags, SGP bags, and metal bins, and seed germination was high (82–92%). Mold infection increased and seed germination decreased in chickpea stored in jute and PP bags. Increases in levels of aflatoxin, fumonisin, deoxynevalenol, and ochratoxin were observed only for chickpea stored in metal bins, and in jute and PP bags. Our study showed that PICS and SGP bags can effectively arrest mold growth, mycotoxin accumulation and preserve germination of chickpea during six months of storage.

Efficacy of diversified rice storage technologies in Bangladesh

Storage of rice is crucial postharvest operation. Traditional rice storage structures vary over local resources, climate and culture in Bangladesh. This study was carried out to investigate the efficacy of diversified rice storage structures at farmer’s level. Household survey was conducted through face to face interview of farmers using developed pretested questionnaire. Rice samples were also collected to test the quality of stored rice. Six different types of traditional structures namely Dole, Steel drum, Plastic bag, Plastic drum, Gunny bag and Motka for rice storage were identified. Maximum insect infestation in stored rice was observed in Dole followed by Motka, Plastic Bag and Plastic drum. This may be due to upper surface of Dole was open. Germination capacity went down to 68% in Plastic bag, 55% in Motka, and 80% in Plastic drum. Rice storage in Plastic drum was found effective in terms of insect infestation and germination capacity in comparison with other traditional storage structures Motka, Dole and Plastic bag. Therefore, Plastic drum can be an alternative option in rice storage.
 Progressive Agriculture, Vol. 30, Suppl. 1: 51-56, 2019

Actors’ post-harvest maize handling practices and allied mycoflora epidemiology in southwestern Ethiopia: Potential for mycotoxin-producing fungi management

Maize plays a key role in household food security in Ethiopia, but its benefit has been limited with high post-harvest losses. This study was initiated to assess post-harvest practices and associated fungi pathogen epidemiology along the maize supply chain in southwestern Ethiopia. The study was conducted in five purposively selected districts and a three-stage sampling procedure was employed for selection of the target groups. In total, 342 participants from different actors were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Maize samples were collected every month from 63 randomly selected actors for mycological analysis during six months storage period. Post-harvest loss was estimated to be 31% and loss during storage was identified as a critical loss point. Comparing all biological agents, loss due to fungal pathogens in the store ranked on top. Moisture content at loading stage could not increase the shelf life of the commodity. Germination tests showed a significant (P < 0.01) decrease as storage duration increased, while mould incidence on cobs and kernels significantly (P < 0.05) increased. In total, seven fungal genera were isolated, characterized and identified, with Fusarium, Penicillium and Aspergillus being predominant. Most of the post-harvest practices are not effective in reducing post-harvest losses. Especially, farmers’ traditional storage structures can be influenced by external climatic conditions and make the grains liable to develop mould during the rainy season. This research, therefore, highlights the need to design, develop or modify existing storage technologies that reduce post-harvest loss due to mycotoxin-producing fungal pathogens. Furthermore, post-harvest drying to obtain optimum moisture content is also crucial to reduce losses.

Review on the storage structure for longer shelf-life of vegetables

India is the second largest producer of fruits and vegetables in the world but due to improper storage a huge amount of spoilage and wastage occurs. Proper storage conditions are necessary to enhance the storage life and maintain quality of the harvested vegetables. In order to increase the shelf-life of the vegetables, it is necessary to know about the various factors which affect the shelf-life of the vegetables and methods to control such factors. The major factors or design considerations which needs to be controlled for longer shelf-life of vegetables are: temperature, relative humidity, pressure and gas composition. This paper provides a critical review of different types of storage structures i.e. Modern storage structures, Evaporative Cooled (ECS), Cold Storage (CS), Controlled Atmosphere (CA), Hypobaric Storage (HS). The advantages of these storage structure over traditional storage structures have also been depicted. The design considerations and application of each type of storage structure is also illustrated. An attempt has been made to compile the optimal storage conditions of different vegetables. It is aimed to provide a summary of the storage structure suited for vegetables and to compile the optimal storage condition for vegetables, so that the loss can be minimized.

Constraints perceived in adoption of improved storage practices by Marwari households of Rajasthan

The present study was conducted in the year 2011-12 with specific objectives to study the adoption of different improved storage practices of farm produce to assess the constraints perceived by the house hold in adoption of improved storage practices. For this study Bikaner district was selected purposely. Bikaner district consists of 6 Panchayat samities. Out of them 3 Panchayat samities namely, Bikaner, Durgagarh and Nokha were selected on the basis of maximum area and production under food grain crops. From these Panchayat samities nine Gram Panchayat were selected randomly. From this two villages from each Gram Panchayat were randomly selected hence 180 respondents from 18 villages constituted the sample for the study. Ex-post facto research design was used for the study propose. The study reveals that majority of the respondents were using traditional storage structures (76.12%) followed by 69.45 per cent were using prevailing practices i.e. mixing of ash and neem powder in store grain and 61.12 per cent households were adopting neem products to save grain in store. Whereas more than half of the households adopted scientific rodents control practices, sun drying, use of improved storage structure and care while stacking grain bags during storage. The major constraints faced by the house holds of Marwari area in adoption of stored grain practices were not having knowledge about chemicals that are used to keep farm produce free from the insect pests, fungus, bacteria and yeasts, etc., lack of information about stored grain pests and losses caused by them, lack of the knowledge about fumigation practices. Non-availability of modern storage structure at local market, non-availability of chemicals for fumigation at village level market, chemicals are harmful for health, lack of knowledge about precautionary measures to be taken during storage of farm produce in godown, not aware about care to be taken during stacking of gunny bags, lack of knowledge sanitation and maintenance godown and another constraints were also perceived by the respondents i.e. reluctant to leave traditional methods, non-access to mass media at village level and lack of training to farm women about improved post harvest technology. The study also highlighted, majority of the respondents expressed their views in using indigenous storage practices because no required specialized knowledge, easy and safe in use, adopted since forefather perceived no need to change, easy in availability, easily accessible and fear in use of chemicals and hazardous to health are the main reasons which are responsible to adopt indigenous storage practices in the locality in comparison to scientific storage practices.

Grain storage losses in the traditional tribal settlements of Biligirirangana Hills, Karnataka, India

The forest dwelling tribal Soligas who reside at Biligirirangana Hills cultivate more than 30 different crops including pulses, cereals, millets and vegetable crops as a part of subsistence agriculture. They store more than 80% of their produce in their households for consumption. The present study examines the grain storage practices followed by Soligas and the extent of losses incurred by them, in a traditional agricultural setup. In all, 13 different storage structures used by Soligas were recorded. These included both traditional and modern structures. Among these, plastic oven sac was being used most widely, while Thenemane used for storing maize cobs was the least used structure by the Soligas. An evaluation of these storage structures for safe storage of grains revealed that, none of the traditional storage structures were found to be suitable for grain storage, as they had one or the other disadvantages like, not being moisture or insect or rodent proof. However, the modern structures like, the plastic bins were moisture and rodent proof, but they failed to provide protection against insects. Soligas adopted 10 different grain protection methods for safe storage of grains. Despite their use, the presence of insect infestation ranged from 32.14 to 56.41%. Callosobruchus theobromae was the most common stored grain insect found infesting fieldbean (Dolichos bean) that was stored in most of the settlements, while Tribolium castaneum was the rarest, found infesting only split pigeon pea (Cajanus cajana). The extent of grain damage ranged from 10 to 100% in the samples collected.

Traditional rice storage facilities and options for safe storage: A study in some selected flood-prone areas under Bhola district

The study aimed at identifying the existing rice storage facilities, problems and prospects at farmer’s level in some selected five unions in two flood-prone upazillas under Bhola district of Bangladesh. The farmer’s suggested policy options for safe storage of rice are also discussed. The selection of Upazilas and villages were done purposively whereas the sample households were selected randomly using stratified random sampling technique with arbitrary allocation. The farmers were classified as small, medium and large based their land ownership. Data on the average rice production, consumption, storage volume and costs of storage and losses of rice in different storage structures/containers from selected 50 farmers of study areas were collected through pre-tested questionnaire. The farmers generally used traditional storage structures such as Dole, Berh, Motka, Jala, Gola, Plastic drum and Gunny/Plastic bags for storing rice. Plastic drum, Gunny and Plastic bags and Motka/Jala were found more economical for the farmers considering the capital cost, expected life and storage loss. Over 90% of the farmers’ felt the need for training on safe storage and over 80% of the small and medium farmers were interested in getting government help through loans, grants, etc. About 60% of the farmers expressed their interest on cooperative storage system to store and protect their food grains during the time of floods. Farmers opined to construct storage structures at an easily accessible place within their village or union under common or cooperative storage systems. The proposed storage system, on implementation, could be managed or overseen by a committee elected/selected by the cooperative society members.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 13(1): 125-130, June 2015