Question

Large amount of foodgrains gets spoiled every year in India due to improper storage of foodgrain. How can this be avoided?

Answer 1

• Animals (like rodents, insects, birds) microorganisms (like fungi, bacteria,) and abiotic factors (like humidity and temperature) in the storage location can all deteriorate food grains.

Preventive and control techniques that can help to reduce food grain losses are given below:

1. The grains that will be stored must be dry and free of moisture.
2. It is necessary to clean the grains before storage.
3. The grains should be treated with pest-killing chemicals.
4. The storage buildings must be watertight.
5. The grains should be preserved in gunny bags that are sealed.
6. For proper disinfection, the gunny bags should be arranged in an order in a pile and kept a distance away from the walls of the storage building.
7. If any ventilators are present, they should be sealed tightly to prevent birds from entering the storage facility and spoiling the grains.
8. To keep rodents and pests away, the walls and floor should be watertight with no gaps.