Agriculture

KEY POINTS

·         Silo structures follow a scientific method of storing grains, which enables bulk preservation of produce for longer periods.

·         Whereas, under CAP method of storing, grains are piled up on the floor and covered with a tarpaulin.

·         This is very cheap and easy to make, but not healthy.

·         It is vulnerable to fungal and insect attacks and eating such mouldy grain can cause a variety of illnesses.

Merits of Silo storage over CAP

·         Occupied space – Silo storage method requires less ground space than conventional method.

·         Maintenance – It is easy to keep optimum storage conditions for the grain, by controlling the temperature, insects, mould and birds.

·         It reduces wastage of food grains due to fungal attacks and ensures food security.

·         Less expensive – If land is taken into account, silos are cheaper than building conventional warehouses.

·         Lower operational costs, as the loading and unloading of food grains can be easily automated.

·         Bulk handling capabilities minimises losses due to theft, pilferage and transportation.

Way ahead                                      

·         Silos are the ideal mode of storage, particularly for a nation such as India which depends on buffer stock for its food security.

·         The concept also benefits all the stakeholders, be it farmers, government or procuring agencies.

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