Question

After harvesting of crops, it should be stored properly. Explain two steps followedby farmers to store the harvested crops for a longer time.​

Answer 1

Answer:

When crops are cultivated for commercial purposes, they are cultivated on a huge scale. We are talking about quintals upon quintals of grains and crops. So this presents us with a logistic problem of where and how to store these grains. It requires absolute planning and management so these grains can be stored without spoilage. Let us take a look at the steps to be taken for successful storage of crops/grains.

• Drying of grains: The crops have to be stored at the recommended level of moisture, which varies for different types of grains. Excess moisture in the crops promotes the growth of micro-organisms and can rot the crops and cause huge losses. Moisture may also germinate the stored seeds, which has to be avoided. Ineffective drying reduces the grain quality and causes huge losses.
• Storing: To protect the grains, they have to store in closed containers. On a small or medium scale, farmers store them in metal containers or jute bags. On a larger scale, silos or granaries are the preference. Storing in closed containers prevents moisture from re-entering, and protects against rodents and insects also.
• Insecticide Treatment: To prevent rodents and insects from attacking your stored crops, they have to be treated with insecticides and pesticides. The process of fumigation, where the granaries are filled with gaseous pesticides to suffocate the pests, may also be carried out. There are alternate bio-friendly pesticides such as dried neem leaves.