1.9 Storage

Submitted by superadmin on 6 May, 2023 - 22:29

NCERT Class 8 Science Textbook for Blind Students made Screen Readable by Dr T K Bansal.

Storage of produce is an important task. If the harvested grains are to be kept for longer time, they should be safe from moisture, insects, rats and microorganisms. Harvested grains have more moisture. If freshly harvested grains (seeds) are stored without drying, they may get spoilt or attacked by organisms, making them unfit for use or for germination. Hence, before storing them, the grains are properly dried in the sun to reduce the moisture in them. This prevents the attack by insect pests, bacteria and fungi.

"I saw my mother putting some dried neem leaves in an iron drum containing wheat. I wonder why?"

Figure 1.10(a) : Silos for storage of grains

Figure shows a silo is a structure for storing bulk materials. Silos are used in agriculture to store grain or fermented feed known as silage. Silos are more commonly used for bulk storage of grain, food products. Three types of silos are in widespread use today: tower silos, bunker silos, bag silos and silage piles.

Figure 1.10 (b) : Storage of grains in gunny bags in granaries

Figure shows that Grain is stored on platforms in heaps, in woven baskets or in bags. In humid countries fires may be lit under elevated platforms, to dry the produce and deter insects or other pests. Instead of being horizontal and flat, the platform may be conical in shape, the point at the bottom.

Farmers store grains in jute bags or metallic bins. However, large scale storage of grains is done in silos and granaries to protect them from pests like rats and insects [Figure 1.10 (a) and (b)].

Dried neem leaves are used for storing food grains at home. For storing large quantities of grains in big godowns, specific chemical treatments are required to protect them from pests and microorganisms.