Storage
Storage of shelled maize
Maize storage containers
The dried and cleaned grains should be stored in metallic silos or packed in hermetic bags (Agro-Z bags) and stored well on pallets in clean and well-ventilated stores (figure 12). It is recommended that farmers use a combination of the storage techniques for complementarity to ensure maximum protection of grain during storage.
Traditional granary
Fig. 12: Storage structures for shelled and dried maize
i) Traditional bags jute ii) Hermetic plastic bag
iii) Air tight plastic containers iv) Metal silos
Fig. 13: Maize storage methods for smallholder farmers in Kenya
i) Open weave sacks (jute, sisal, polypropylene): storage period is 0 to 6 months. This complements with rodent proof structures and admix insecticide added for pest control. ii) Hermetic plastic bag: storage period is 3 to 12 months. Complement with rodent proof storage structures. iii) Hermetic plastic drums: storage period is 3 to 12 months. It is hermetic and pest proof. Add Admix insecticide for pest control. iv) Metal silo: storage period is 3 to 12 months. It is hermetic and pest proof. Add Admix insecticide for pest control.
Produce aggregation and warehousing
Produce aggregation and warehousing aims to provide an organised marketing channel for farmers to allow farmers to:
i) Aggregate their produce to attain volumes that are sufficient to attract bulk buyers.
ii) Appropriately store the grain to await price appreciation.
iii) Leverage their stored grain to access credit to meet immediate financial needs.
• KCEP activities in this sub-component will include:
i) Village collection centres ii) The development, certification and operation of storage facilities. Village collection centres
These will include:
i) Rented storage space – farmers to rent storage space of 100-200 bags in a central place within the village shopping centres.
ii) Construction/refurbishment of new ones.
The village collection centres will be equipped with weighing machine, moisture meter, tarpaulins, pallets and manual sieve. The collection centres will also serve as focal points for interaction of farmers and service providers, training venues, store and distribution points for farm inputs when not being used for grain collection.
The Village Collection Centres will be certified for warehouse receipting (by SGS or Bureau Veritas). Warehouse Receipt System will be used in the e-voucher to access credit (See figure 14).
Fig. 13: Lesiolo Grain Handlers Silos in Nakuru
[Source: CTA and EAGC, 2013]
The warehouse operations are summarized in figure 15.
Fig. 14: Primary and supportive commercial storage and warehousing processes
[Source: CTA and EAGC, 2013]
Basic requirements for good grain storage
The four pillars of good storage practice include:
- Ensuring that the crop going into the store is in good conditionGood quality whole grain is less likely to suffer from insect attacks than poor quality damaged grain.
- Keeping the store in good condition
A good store keeps grain dry and cool provides protection against rodents, birds and domestic animals like poultry. It should be theft-proof and sited in areas that are not prone to flooding. They should not be placed where high winds can damage the structure nor near trees, which might provide access points for rodents. The store should have a roof to keep rain off the structure and provide shade during the day. Without shade, changes in temperature inside the store between day and night may be too great leading to excessive cooling at night. This causes condensation and wets the grain, which in turn leads to development of moulds, see figure 15.
Fig. 15: A maize store
Practicing good store hygiene
This means keeping everything as clean as possible. Store surroundings should be tidied so that there is no vegetation or rubbish to provide breeding grounds for insects and rodents. Clearing the ground around the store will make it easy to spot termite trails. Livestock should be kept away from the store; they should not be allowed to browse nor sleep under it. Livestock droppings should be cleared up as they attract rodents. Whenever storage containers are empty, they should be cleaned. Second-hand sacks should be dipped into boiling water to kill any insects and dried in the sun. Grain residues should be removed from sacks by turning them inside out and thoroughly brushing. Holes should be stitched. Sprinkle the inside walls and floor of the structure with insecticide to kill remaining insect pests. Old grain should be stored separately from the new crop and should be utilized first.
Maintaining the condition of the crop and store throughout the storage season
Pests can attack the store at any time, so it is important to inspect the store and produce regularly. The earlier a problem is spotted the sooner control actions can be taken. Early action will prevent damage from becoming severe. If insect pests occur regularly, treat the grain with Actellic as soon as possible. Maize cobs can be sprayed with insecticide but it is more effective to shell the cobs and mix with Actellic dust. Store inspections should start as soon as grain is stored and then conducted weekly. This is because insects may be brought in with the produce, which might have become infested in the field during harvesting or drying. The store may also have harboured infestation from the previous season.
Common maize storage pests
Pests cause crop losses up to 100%. The main pest categories are insects, rodents, moulds, birds and human beings who steal and contaminate the grain. The primary storage pests are those that break down the hard seed coat of the undamaged grain. Some may lay their eggs inside the kernel and the growing larvae eat the inside of the kernel. In Kenya, the most common primary pests are larger grain borer, lesser grain borer, maize weevil, and rodents (EAGC, 2016; Midega et al. 2016).
Rodents (rats and mice) feeds on maize grain. These may be controlled through use of rat guard when building the in the granaries or traps and baits.
Rats and mice