write a short note on storage and harvesting
Dear student
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· Storing grain is done to reduce grain loss to weather, moisture, rodents, birds, insects and micro-organisms. Usually rice should be stored in paddy form rather than milled rice as the husk provides some protection against insects.
There are many methods for storage of grains or crops:
1. Sacks
There are many methods for storage of grains or crops:
2.Metallic or plastic drums
3. Different types of silos: Burkino silo, Concrete/cement silos, Metal Silos, Synthetic Silos, etc.
In India, about 70% of farm produce is stored by farmers for their own consumption. Farmers store grain in bulk, using different types of storage structures made from locally available materials.
Advantages of silos over bags for storing bulk grains:
· low running costs;
· less land area requirement;
· complete control of aeration;
· low labour requirements;
· rapid handling;
· efficient and effective fumigation operation;
· low through spillage and rodents;
· possible to store the grain for longer periods;
Other methods of storage of food:
1.Fumigation: to avoid any bacteria or any microoranisms to attack the crop/grain.
2.Rodent infestations can be prevented by pesticides
3. Avoid moist enviornment to avoid any fungal growths.
4. Ensure Good sealage of packagings.
Harvesting: It is method of cutting crops after they have rippened or matured and are ready to use. Various factors that affect harvesting are season, crop variety, maturity period, etc.
Harvested crops are then threshed and grains are separated.After cutting, the crop is gathered at one place and is allowed to dry in the sun for a few days. Many harvesting machines are used to fasten the process nowadays, however it may cause some damage to the crops too and using machines in combined harvests results in loss of hay and thus yields less fodder.
After harvesting, farmers prepare the farm/ land for next sowing.
Regards
1.Fumigation: to avoid any bacteria or any microoranisms to attack the crop/grain.
2.Rodent infestations can be prevented by pesticides
3. Avoid moist enviornment to avoid any fungal growths.
4. Ensure Good sealage of packagings.
Harvesting: It is method of cutting crops after they have rippened or matured and are ready to use. Various factors that affect harvesting are season, crop variety, maturity period, etc.
Harvested crops are then threshed and grains are separated.After cutting, the crop is gathered at one place and is allowed to dry in the sun for a few days. Many harvesting machines are used to fasten the process nowadays, however it may cause some damage to the crops too and using machines in combined harvests results in loss of hay and thus yields less fodder.
After harvesting, farmers prepare the farm/ land for next sowing.
Regards
