QUALITY CONTROL AND STORAGE TECHNIQUES & FACILITIES

https://www.eatradehub.org/warehouse_facility_requirements

In order to maintain sustainable supplies to feed the population, most of the produce - maize, wheat, rice, sorghum and millet and other dry foods must be held in storage for periods varying from one month up to more than a year. The main function of storage in the economy is to even out fluctuations in market supply, both from one season to the next and from one year to the next. This is achieved by taking produce off the market in surplus seasons and releasing it back onto the market in lean seasons.

Natural contamination of food grains is greatly influenced by various environmental factors such as type of storage structure, temperature, pH, moisture, etc. Safe grain storage methods play an important role in preventing losses which are caused mainly due to weevils, beetles, moths and rodents. 

ESL provides safe and scientific storage in carefully selected sites, using warehousing and storage facilities that allow the undertaking of cleaning and fumigation, and ensure proper aeration of grains and regular inspection of the grain stock.

Sorting

Ensuring  different varieties of grain are kept separate.

Grading

Grain sizes are graded using sieves and in accordance with standard requirements. 

Removal of impurities

Drying of grain

Grain at typical harvest temperatures of 25–30°C and moisture content greater than 13–14 per cent provides ideal conditions for mould and insect growth. At ESL we ensure that moisture content in grain is dealt with very quickly and effectively. We:

· Deal with high-moisture grain promptly.

· Monitor grain moisture and temperature regularly (daily), enabling early detection of mould and insect development.

· Ensure aeration drying at airflow rates in excess of 15 litres per second per tonne.

Moisture content is tested using  approved moisture meters, and in accordance with standard requirements for the grain type.

Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) Bags:

The PICS technology is a triple layer sealed plastic bag that cuts off the oxygen supply to create hermetic conditions, thereby eliminating insect damage in storage of dry grain.  This low-cost technology was developed and initially disseminated for cowpea grain, but it has more recently been found effective for all types of grain and even other products.  PICS bags allow farmers to store their grain without the use of insecticides, and provides them the flexibility to sell when prices are high, while having chemical-free high quality food for their families throughout the year. 

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 Under Construction