Post-Harvest Field Management and Safe Grain Storage: Essential Practices for Farmers – IARI Advisory
Agriculture Advisory for Indian Farmers from Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)
04 May 2025, New Delhi: As the Rabi season draws to a close, post-harvest field and grain management becomes crucial for maintaining farm health and preserving crop produce. The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) has issued timely guidance for farmers to adopt best practices that enhance soil health, reduce pest infestation, and ensure safe storage of harvested grains.
One of the first steps after harvesting Rabi crops is to carry out deep ploughing of fields. This is a highly effective method to destroy the eggs, pupae, and dormant stages of many soil-borne pests and weed seeds. When the soil is turned over deeply and exposed to sunlight, it naturally reduces the survival rate of harmful insects and pathogens, setting the stage for healthier future crops. This practice also helps in improving soil aeration and structure, which are important for subsequent sowings.
Equally critical is proper post-harvest storage of grains. Farmers are advised to begin by cleaning the grains thoroughly to remove any chaff, dirt, or damaged kernels. After cleaning, the grains should be dried to a safe moisture level, ideally not exceeding 12 percent. Moisture is a major factor that attracts insect infestation and fungal growth, which can lead to significant losses in both quality and quantity during storage.
Once the grains are dried, storage areas—such as godowns or storage sheds—must be sanitized. All leftover materials and residues from previous crops should be removed. Cracks and crevices in walls and floors must be cleaned and sealed to prevent pest hiding spots. IARI strongly recommends that farmers treat their gunny bags with a 5 percent Neem solution as a preventive measure. The treated bags should then be sun-dried to destroy any remaining insect eggs or disease inoculum.
Additionally, it is advised to keep the stored grains in protected, well-ventilated areas. Using wooden pallets to keep the bags off the ground and arranging them in stacks with space between walls ensures good air circulation. Regular inspection of the stored produce should be carried out to detect any early signs of spoilage or pest attack.
Through these simple yet effective practices, farmers can reduce post-harvest losses significantly. Preserving the quality of stored grains is not just about preventing wastage, but also about maintaining food safety and maximizing income from produce sales in the coming months.
By adopting these recommendations from IARI, farmers can safeguard their harvest, maintain farm hygiene, and prepare their land effectively for the next cropping season.
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