Question

explain the various factors which are responsible for the loss of stored food grains

Answer 1

During the storage of grains, various biotic factors such as insects, rodents, mites, fungi, bacteria, etc. and various abiotic factors such as inappropriate moisture, temperature, lack of sunlight, flood, etc. are responsible for losses of grains. These factors act on stored grains and result in degradation, poor germinability, discolouration, etc. They include strict cleaning of the produce before storage, proper drying of the produce first in sunlight and then in a shade, and fumigation using chemicals that can kill pests