Slides from a recent presentation by USDA representative Floyd Dowell on “Storage Solutions to Improve Food Security for Small Farmers” were recently published online. The presentation focused on PHL and ways to mitigate the causes of loss. http://india2012.icc.or.at/webfm_send/33
Hermetic Bags Save African Crop, but Not How Experts Once Thought
Hermetic bags from the Purdue Integrated Cowpea Study (PICS) are found to save crops in unexpected ways, as they are useful in preventing the growth and feeding habits of weevils in cowpea storage, particularly through depleting the levels of oxygen in the bags. The program is expected to be adopted by 3.4 million households in West and […]
Africa: Metal Silos Lock Out Maize Pests
Farmers in developing countries typically lose 20-30% of their crop due to poor grain storage facilities. Through a project with roots in Central America, African maize farmers are adopting metal silos to protect their families’ food supply and source of income. To date, The Effective Grain Storage Project is responsible for the construction of 146 […]
Postharvest Losses in Rice
This blog article analyzes the amount of rice PHL in Indonesia, using information taken from the BPS (Badan Pusat Statistik). It also includes information on the major causes of loss. http://fahrizalaffandi.wordpress.com/2012/01/07/postharvest-losses/
Application of Semiochemicals for Post-Harvest Pest Management
Lambert Academic Publishing released a new book on Jan. 6, 2012 titled ‘Application of Semiochemicals for Post-Harvest Pest Management’. The book provides estimates of pest-induced losses of foods, in particular stored grain, as well as analysis of why semiochemicals are a promising alternative to conventional pesticides, and more. https://www.lap-publishing.com/catalog/details/store/gb/book/978-3-8473-3553-5/application-of-semiochemicals-for-post-harvest-pest-management
FAO Says Traditional Crops Key to Facing Climate Change
The FAO says traditional crops need protection from climate change. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture celebrated its 10th anniversary, and a ‘benefit-sharing fund’ has been set up in order to help farmers and breeders in 21 countries adapt crops to problems associated with climate change, such as floods, droughts, […]
Post-Harvest Food Losses Reduction in Maize
Post-harvest food losses reduction in maize production in Nigeria (PDF) was recently published in the African Journal of Agricultural Research. The article examines causes of loss as well as makes recommendations for reduction. http://www.academicjournals.org/ajar/PDF/pdf2011/5%20Oct/Samuel%20et%20al.pdf
Kenyan Farmers Beat Drought – And Then Battle Pests
Kenyan farmers are dealing with extraneous factors such as drought and pests and to lower the impact on PHL, they are using special varieties of maize and metal storage silos. http://www.trust.org/item/?map=kenyan-farmers-beat-drought-and-then-battle-pests
Rabi Conference Accords High Priority to Enhancing Food Grain Production to Achieve 245 MT Target
The recent two-day National Conference on Agriculture for Rabi Campaign 2011 has led to the outcome that 245 million tons of Rabi as needing to be produced for the next season, as well as a focus on location-specific high yielding crop varieties. “The conference advised the States to specially concentrate on critical areas such as […]
Gambia: FAO Conducts Seminar on Post Harvest Management for Food Security
The Gambian government held a workshop with the FAO to deal with the pest, disease, and infrastructure issues related to food security. http://allafrica.com/stories/201107210762.html