Question

Describe the factors responsible for grain loss during storage?

Answer 1

Storage of foodgrains:

1. More than 10% of foodgrains produced are lost due to inadequate storage space and wrong fertilisers and methods of storage.
2. The factors that are generally responsible for losses of grains during storage are:
   • Abiotic factors: Moisture (found in grains), humidity (in the air), and temperature are abiotic variables that are responsible for losses of grain during storage.
   • Biotic factors: Insects, rats, birds, mites, bacteria, and fungi are biotic forces that are responsible for the losses of grain during storage.