The Kenyan government is constructing a large scale warehouse in Kanyekiini County, Central Province, to reduce postharvest losses. The project is expected to offer local youth employment opportunities and improve farmers’ incomes. http://www.nation.co.ke/Counties/Sh45million-for-cereals-warehouse/-/1107872/1909594/-/yx5y58/-/index.html
Archive | Direct causes of loss
RSS feed for this sectionMycotoxin Occurrence in Maize Milling Fractions
A study by South African researchers concludes that the occurrence of mycotoxin differs per milling fraction, and that dry milling is an effective way to reduce mycotoxins in maize. The article appears in the International Journal of Food Microbiology. http://www.allaboutfeed.net/Process-Management/Feed-Safety/2013/5/Mycotoxin-occurrence-in-maize-milling-fractions-1267126W/
NE China Barn Fire Engulfs 1,000 Tonnes of Grain
A large scale fire burned through a grain storage center in northeastern China, destroying 1,000 tonnes of grain. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2013-06/03/c_132427509.htm
Haryana: Left to Rot, 22,000 Quintals of Wheat Declared Unfit for Human Consumption
22,000 quintals of wheat are found to be rotting in Haryana, India, where adequate storage is not available. The grain has been declared unfit for human consumption, leading many to blame the government procurement process. http://ibnlive.in.com/news/22000-quintals-of-wheat-declared-unfit-for-human-consumption/398377-3-240.html
Punjab’s Problem of Plenty: Bumper Wheat Crop But No Storage Space
A video on Punjab storage issues identifies diversatification of crops as a solution to ease capacity constraints. Farmers are not in support of this solution, however, due to the economic value of certain crops over others. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlJbh-8R6MY&feature=youtu.be
CGIAR Research Program Lists “Big Facts” about Food Waste
The CGIAR Research Program offers a compiled report of the most authoritative research on agriculture and climate change. The report lists “big facts”, visuals, and graphics on various topics, including food waste. http://ccafs.cgiar.org/bigfacts/food-waste/
African Smallholder Farmers Need to Become Virus Detectors
Plant viruses cause up to $175 million dollars in losses in East Africa per year. Many farmers are unware of affected crops until after harvest when viruses cause rotting. http://allafrica.com/stories/201302130442.html?page=2
Standards Need to Remain Voluntary, Industry Reps Caution
Canada launched national standards for grain biodiversity that are meant to manage the risk of plant pests and disease. The voluntary standards include guidelines for safe handling, transport, and use of equipment. Opinions on voluntary status of standards vary. http://www.betterfarming.com/online-news/standards-need-remain-voluntary-industry-reps-caution-11775
India’s Grain Mountain Grows Despite Push for Exports
India grain supplies are larger than ever with harvest about to begin for the sixth consecutive wheat crop to exceed demand. Wheat and rice bumper crops are competing for storage space, and the Indian government will face challenges in safely storing grain even despite efforts to export large amounts of grain. http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/02/25/us-india-grains-glut-idUSBRE91O17U20130225
Food & International Security: Wasted
One UK academic claims there are strong links between potential water wars, land-grabbing, and postharvest loss. He argues food loss must be treated as a geopolitical issue, and that there needs to be more scientific research, funding, policy support, and awareness of PHL. http://theriskyshift.com/2013/02/food-international-security-wasted/