Most grain in India, which is procured from farmers by the government, is stored using the cover and plinth (CAP) method. Discuss the merit of Silo storage of food grains against the CAP method. (200 words)
Refer – The Hindu
Enrich the answers from other sources, if the question demands.
IAS Parliament 6 years
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.
Manav 6 years
Please review. Thanks.
IAS Parliament 6 years
Good attempt. Keep writing.
Sahitya 6 years
Please review
IAS Parliament 6 years
Try to add more valid points. Keep writing.
