Traditional methods of food grains preservation and storage in Nigeria and India

Abstract

Efficient post-harvest handling storage can tremendously contribute to socio-economic empowerment in developing nations. Farmers use traditional storage containers for storing food grains for their own need. These storage structures are comparatively cheap, eco-friendly and impart high shelf life to the stored commodities. These traditional storage systems could be applied in modern storage areas with minor modification, could save food commodities that would be damaged by insects. Although chemical methods of management of stored produce pests are highly successful, they leave behind toxic residues. The traditional wisdom and methods of storage can protect commodities from insect infestation for substantially longer periods. Keywords: Traditional methods, Preservation, Storage system, Insect infestation, Stored product commodities