Reducing postharvest losses during storage of grain crops
As the global population is expected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, meeting the food demand requires approximately 50% more food production. A critical yet often overlooked issue is postharvest loss (PHL). A new technology from iGRAIN can now monitor the grain, to successfully maintain high-quality grain and reduce losses.
By minimizing grain losses, larger yields can be sold, increasing profits for local farmers.
17% of food is lost during postharvest operations. This has significant impact on food availability, straining natural resources, worsening hunger, and affecting farmers’ livelihoods. The losses are mostly due to lack of proper storage facilities, premature sprouting and risk of infestations. As the grains are vulnerable to high temperatures, the risk of fungal growth and other infestations is high and can lead to spoiled grains that cannot be sold.
In areas where the climate is warm and food security is highly problematic, the loss of valuable grains has large consequences socially and financially.
The role of monitoring
Current grain monitoring technologies primarily focus on temperature and moisture levels. However, iGRAIN’s new All-in-One (AIO) Sensor Cables take monitoring to the next level by also capturing digital readings of CO2 levels in the stored grain. CO2 sensors can detect emerging problems weeks in advance, providing the most advanced and secure surveillance of crops. Detecting moisture, temperature and CO2 levels in a single sensor makes the technology highly cost-efficient.
The data recorded by the sensors can then be viewed on the iGRAIN Smart App, at all times. The app can also display risks and ranks the silos according to the length of safe storage time, to reduce food loss.
Economic benefits and higher quality food
The iGRAIN AIO Sensor Cable technology significantly reduces postharvest losses, leading to more and better-quality food and feed. This not only supports global efforts to reduce food waste but also has substantial economic benefits. By minimizing grain losses, larger yields can be sold, increasing profits for local farmers. Consequently, this technology contributes to achieving food security and improving nutrition globally, in accordance with the UN Sustainable Development Goal nr 2: End Hunger.
You can also read the original article on FoodNation.
