The factors contributing to the loss of crops are numerous. However, the post-harvest losses faced by the farmer are far more than the losses faced by the standing crops. In such cases, the use of hermetic bags for grain storage is the best possible solution against post-harvest losses.
The primary cause of post-harvest losses is pest infestation that spoils the entire produce. However, there are a number of underlying factors that cause pest and insect infestations. These include:
- Lack of temperature management
- Poor packaging material
- Humidity
- Improper storage facilities
As a result, the farmers and the agro-based industries suffer from huge losses due to poor post-harvesting facilities.
Scientific researchers are constantly trying to bring advancements in post-harvest techniques to minimize such losses. One of the most efficient and effective techniques out there is hermetic technology. Hermetic bags use this technology to manufacture. In fact, hermetic technology is one of the most effective methods for effective grain storage. With the use of hermetic bags, the post-harvest losses are minimized to a large extent.
In fact, a study done by the Journal of Food Quality proves that hermetic bags are effective in maintaining grain quality. The study shows the factors needed to maintain grain quality and how it can be achieved. There are several factors that contribute to grain quality. These are storage methods, external weather conditions, and internal conditions within the storage facility. The study concluded that the grains stored in hermetic bags maintained the highest quality. They also were unaffected by the external environments and had the least pest infestations.
Let us understand how the Hermetic technology maintains grain quality and is the solution for all post-harvest losses.
How do Hermetic Bags Maintain Grain Quality?
The moisture content plays a vital role in determining the quality of the grain. The grains must be dried to the proper moisture level before storing them. Environmental conditions in the storage unit such as the oxygen and the CO2 levels also affect the grain quality.
Increased oxygen levels can lead to the growth of pests and insects. Therefore it is crucial to regulate the oxygen levels in the storage. A decrease in oxygen level and increase in the CO2 levels constrain the pest infestation. This also provides the right moisture content and the required temperature.
Hermetic bags are designed with an air-tight technology so they control the moisture level in the storage. These bags block outside air from entering and as a result, the oxygen level decreases in the bags. As pests cannot survive in an oxygen-deficient environment, they cease to exist. With a controlled oxygen level and temperature, there are no chances of pest infestation in hermetic bags.
What External Conditions Affect Grain Quality with Hermetic Bags?
External conditions such as temperature and humidity can also affect the quality of the grain. If the humidity is high, the chances of pest infestation are high. Excess moisture is detrimental as it can lead to mold growth, toxin formation, insect infestation, and sprouting in storage. However, the temperature should be cold as too hot temperatures can dry out the grain and make it hard. Hard grains yield less or no flour.
Therefore external conditions such as the weather, exposure to sunlight affect the quality of the grain. Hermetic bags provide a controlled environment with minimum moisture and a cool temperature. These bags use hermetic technology that ensures that the outside weather does not affect the grains inside the bag. Hermetic bags provide an airtight, self-regulated, and modified atmosphere. The moisture level remains optimal. Thus, the grains do not turn hard due to a lack of moisture. Neither do they have pest infestation and mold growth due to excess moisture. Consequently, the quality of the grains is in no way compromised in hermetic bags.
How Does the Presence of Aflatoxin and Other Pesticides Affect Grain Quality?
To prevent grain damage from pests and insects during storage, farmers use several pesticides. However, these pesticides more than often are hazardous to animals as well as humans. Certain molds produce mycotoxins which are equally toxic. The occurrence of these toxins is on grains, seeds, and dairy products as well. It depends on environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, and rainfall during growing, harvesting, and storage. These toxins are hard to remove from the grain and remain throughout the entire food production. When consumed by animals or humans, the results can be detrimental, resulting in illness or even death.
Aflatoxins are toxins produced by molds of the Aspergillus species, which are the most common mycotoxins having a high level of toxicity. Aflatoxins are known carcinogens which means they can cause cancer if consumed in large quantities. They also cause liver damage and liver failure in animals. Animals that consume aflatoxin-contaminated food can also transfer the toxins to meat, milk, and eggs. This potentially exposes humans to a health hazard. Therefore it becomes extremely crucial to prevent insect infestation as it not only affects the grain quality but possesses a fatal hazard. Not to mention the effects of pesticides used to prevent pest infestations. Hermetic Bags not only prevent pests and insects but also maintain the grain quality without the use of pesticides.
How do Save Grain Bags maintain the grain quality?
Save Grain Bags use hermetic technology to store grains safely in an airtight, self-regulated, and modified atmosphere. The technology combats concerns about the adverse effects of pesticide residues in grains and the environment. These bags control moisture content by depleting oxygen. As a result, there are no chances of pests, insects, or fungi.
As the bags are airtight, the respiration of grains, insects, and molds in the storage will increase CO2 levels. Under such conditions, fungal and insect growths can be inhibited without the usage of pesticides. As we are well aware of the effects of harmful pesticides, Hermetic Bags provide the perfect alternative. They maintain grain quality without being toxic.
Moreover, the controlled environment in these bags maintains an optimal moisture content in the grains. As a result, the grains are not dry or brittle due to lack of moisture as well as not susceptible to pest infestation due to excessive moisture levels.
Save Grain Bags are reusable as well as eco-friendly which is vital to sustainable farming.
