Question

Large amount of food grains get spoiled every year in India due to improper storage of food grain. How can this be avoided?

Answer 1

Food grains get spoiled by insects, fungi, rodents, bacteria, moisture, temperature in place of storage. Food grain losses can be minimized by following preventive and control measures.
(i) The seeds/grains that are to be stored should be dry, with no moisture in it.
(ii) The grains should be cleaned.
(iii) The grains should be fumigated using chemicals that kill pest.
(iv) The storage houses should be water proof.
(v) The grains should be stored in sealed gunny bags.
(vi) The bags should be stacked in order in pile for proper fumigation and should be kept few centimetres away from the wall.
(vii) The ventilators if any should be closed tightly, to avoid birds visiting the storage house and destroying the grains.
(viii) The walls and the floor should be waterproof with no holes in it, to avoid rodents, pests.