Storage of Grains

• After harvest, grains stored in granaries and silos.
• Enemies of storage: insects, rodents, fungi, moisture.
• Preventive measures — drying, fumigation, neem leaves, airtight bins.
• Pesticides used carefully; food safety.

1. Drying — reduce moisture below safe level (~14% for cereals) prevents mould.
2. Storage structures — silos (large metal/concrete), granaries, gunny bags in warehouses.
3. Pests — weevils in grain; rats cause loss and contamination.
4. Treatment — fumigation (phosphine tablets in sealed stacks — professional use).
5. Traditional — neem leaves, dry red chillies repel insects.
6. Real world — FCI godowns; farmer household metal bins.

Protecting wheat harvest in village granary

Step 1 — Sun-dry grains thoroughly before storage.
Step 2 — Clean granary; spray recommended insecticide (safe period before use).
Step 3 — Add neem leaves in gunny bags.
Step 4 — Regular inspection for weevils; aerate if moisture rises.

• Storing damp grain — mould and aflatoxin risk.
• Misconception: any pesticide amount safe (follow dosage and waiting period).
• Mixing new and old infested grain spreads pests.
• Using fumigants without training — dangerous.

• Why must grains be dried before storage?
• Name two storage pests.
• How do neem leaves help?

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