Question

How do storage grain losses occur?

Answer 1

Causes of storage grain losses:

1. Storage gain losses can occur due to abiotic as well as biotic factors.
2. Biotic factors include insects, rodents, mice, fungi, bacteria, etc.
3. Whereas abiotic factors include temperature, lack of sunlight, moisture, etc.
4. Due to these factors the weight of the grain can reduce, its germinating power can degrade and the quality may hinder.

Ways to reduce storage grain losses:

1. Rodent infection can be prevented via pesticides.
2. Avoidance of a moist environment can be done to prevent fungal growth.
3. Proper sunlight should be provided to allow the storage of dry grains.
4. Fumigation which involves the disinfection of an area via chemicals to prevent the growth of microbial organisms can be done.
5. The grains must be stored in gunny bags and granaries for a sterile safe storage.