Question

suggest measures to protect foodgrains in india

Answer 1

The production of food grains in India is not in proportion to the country’s increasing population that has crossed the 110-crore mark. Again, out of the total quantum of food grains produced, what is made available for consumption is after deducting the required quantities for seed, feed and post harvest losses due to various reasons, including pest infestation at different stages of storage and transport. If the wastage at different levels especially due to pest infestation is reduced significantly, we can fill the gap in shortage to a substantial extent.

There are different methods of protecting stored grains from insect pests. Fumigation is one method while “controlled atmosphere” or “Hermetic storage” technology is the other method that can substantially reduce losses incurred by stored insect pests.

What is fumigation?

Fumigation is a method of using a lethal gas to exterminate insect pests within an enclosed space. Amongst all the chemical control methods, fumigation is the only one by which infestation within stored grains or consumable items can be controlled.

Effective fumigation can be carried out only by properly equipped and trained personnel in appropriately prepared fumigation enclosures. Stringent safety precautions are required as the process could be both dangerous and expensive. Fumigation treatments are to be executed by licensed fumigators only and treatments are not to be executed in residential premises.

General Overview

Even though fumigation continues to play a valuable role in many pest control operations, both the concepts and the procedures for controlling insects are changing. With increased public concern over the adverse effects of pesticides on human health and the environment, greater emphasis is being given to methods that can exclude the use of fumigants. Nevertheless, the need for chemical pesticides, particularly fumigants, is likely to continue for many years to come, as they have unique properties and capabilities that necessitate their use in situations where other methods are not feasible or practical.

In many cases, treatments can be carried out on infested material without disturbing it in any way. Use of lightweight plastic sheets or materials has made the fumigation process easier and more effective. Several modern technological developments like measurement & analysis of fumigant concentrations, improved formulations as well as increased demand for effective and economic pest control measures, have done much to improve fumigation procedures.

In India, there are two registered fumigants – Methyl Bromide and Aluminium Phosphide (Phosphine Gas).

Some of the fumigation processes are as follows:

Cover Fumigation –at warehouses, etc.Freight Container FumigationShip Fumigation – for Cargo HoldsChamber FumigationStructure FumigationVacuum FumigationStore & Silo FumigationMill FumigationAircraft Fumigation

Fumigation Standards & Regulatory Authorities

Since the use of fumigant is restricted, it is regulated by Plant Protection Quarantine & Storage Department under Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India. Standards for fumigation include National Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 11 & 12 which are popularly known as NSPM 11 & 12 and refer to Methyl Bromide Quarantine treatments and guidelines for accreditation of fumigation agency respectively. Apart from Methyl Bromide, use of Aluminium Phosphide is also described by PPQ & S. Apart from these standards, International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 also exists and is applicable for treatment of wooden material which is being used for packing along with export consignments. Since India is a signatory to Australian Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (AFAS), all the export to Australia is covered under AFAS and fumigation treatments must be performed by accepted treatment providers by this stipulated process.

Answer 2

The measures to protect food grains in India are:
1.Preparing that much food that much is needed.
2.No wastage of food in functions,marriages,birthday parties etc.
3.Using fertilizers ans pesticides in the field which will protect crops from insects.
4.Using good medicines in the field due to which crops will not spoil.