Durable crops such as cereals, pulses, oilseeds and roots and tubers are staple foods for millions of poor people in developing countries. It is thus important to maintain the quality of these crops along the entire supply chain to ensure that consumers have access to food that is safe and nutritious. However, traditional techniques of grain storage on the farm are not in general very efficient and, as a result, post-harvest losses during storage can be considerable due to insect and rodent attack. Poorly stored grain is also susceptible to contamination with mycotoxins which poses a major health hazard to consumers.

FAO aims to improve traditional technologies and introduce new techniques in the post harvest handling and storage of agricultural products. One example is the metal silo technology for grain storage on the farm. The silo can be hermetically sealed for fumigation purposes, provide an effective barrier against insects and rodents and allow grain to be stored in good condition for longer periods of time. The structures have been promoted in many countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia and local artisans trained in their fabrication.

However, improved storage structures by themselves are not enough to improve grain quality. Their promotion goes hand in hand with training in good storage practice, store hygiene, proper use of insecticides and adequate drying. Rice is becoming an increasingly popular cash crop as well as a food staple. However, the quality of rice produced by small farmers is often poor, leading to low prices and lost market opportunities. We promote the proper drying, storage and milling of rice to improve quality and marketability and add value at farm level.

Examples of relevant publications

• Technical manual for the construction of small metal silos. This manual facilitates the training of artisans in fabricating metal silos. For the publication click here.
• Grain storage techniques. The purpose of this bulletin is to transfer knowledge of grain storage techniques for various players involved in the storage of grain, both at farm level and large scale. For the publication click here.
• Rice milling equipment: operation and maintenance. A compendium of rice processing machines, their technical specifications, operation and maintenance.
  To request a copy e-mail AGS-registry@fao.org or order e-mail Publications-sales@fao.org
• Rice parboiling. This manual provides technical and economic information on the processes and equipment for parboiling rice. It is a practical guide for rice millers and service providers working on the development of rice industries in developing counties. To request a copy e-mail AGS-registry@fao.org or order e-mail Publications-sales@fao.org