Question

What is the role of temperature in preventing the damage of food grains during storage?

Answer 1

The most influential factors in the storage of grains is moisture and temperature. It is critical to monitor the moisture content and temperature on a regular basis during storage to make sure that the grains remain cool and dry. The best temperature for storage of food grains is between 40 – 60 degrees. Higher temperature will affect the ability of the stored seeds to germinate over time, but food value is only slightly reduced. Freezing temperatures will not damage stored grains or pulses. Drastic changes in temperature are indicative of increased respiration due to spoilage or the development of mold and/or hotspots, and each 10 degrees the grain temperature increases will reduce the allowable storage time by about half. Insect reproduction is also reduced at temperatures below 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, so the grains must be kept as cool as possible to limit insect activity.