Need for temperature and humidity controlled warehouses: Scientific approach to maintain the quality of agricultural products and reduce losses

Warehouses: India’s agriculture sector is greatly affected by weather and environment. Farmers grow grains, fruits, vegetables and other crops, but keeping them safe for a long time is a big challenge. The solution to this problem is – temperature and humidity controlled warehouses. Temperature and humidity controlled warehouses are a boon for farmers. These can become the basis of not only crops but also the country’s economy and food security.

Special features of these warehouses

• Temperature control: Keeping crops at the right temperature does not spoil them quickly.

Humidity management: Maintaining the right humidity keeps grains and fruits fresh.

• Storage capacity: Large scale crops can be kept safe for a long time.

Why are these warehouses necessary?

• Benefit to farmers: If the crop does not get spoiled, the farmer will get a good price.

Food security: There will be no shortage of grains in the country.

• Strengthening the economy: If agricultural products remain safe, exports will also increase.

If temperature and humidity are not taken care of properly, then the grain can get spoiled and its nutritional level can also decrease.

1. Effect of temperature

• Loss of nutrients due to heat: Oxidation in grains increases at high temperatures, which reduces the nutritional value of the grain.

Infestation of insects: Insects, rats and cockroaches grow quickly in hot places, which damage the grain.

Taste of food: Keeping at high temperatures also spoils the natural taste and smell of the grain.

• Change in color: Due to high heat, the color of the grain can change, making it unfit for eating.

2. Effect of humidity

• Spoilage due to moisture: In high humidity, the grain becomes wet and mold starts growing in it quickly.

Rotting: Due to high humidity, the grain starts rotting, making it useless for eating.

Weight change: Moisture can cause the grain to lose weight, which can lead to losses in selling.

• Storage problems: Moisture can cause the grain to stick together, making it difficult to remove and handle.

3. Proper care measures

• Temperature control: Store grains in a cool and dry place to avoid heat and pests.

Airtight storage: Store grains in containers that do not allow moisture and air to enter.

Sunlight protection: Protect grains from direct sunlight, as this can deteriorate their quality quickly.

• Pest prevention: Clean the storage space from time to time and use pesticides.

Benefits of temperature and humidity controlled warehouses

There are many benefits of storing grains and other agricultural products in temperature and humidity controlled warehouses. Products stored in these warehouses remain good for a long time and there is also less wastage.

1. Maintaining the quality of grains

• Controlled temperature and humidity helps maintain the taste, nutrients and freshness of grains for a longer period of time.

The risk of spoilage due to high humidity or heat is reduced.

• Example: Regular monitoring of humidity and temperature in smart warehouses prevents grain from spoiling.

2. Less loss and wastage

• In such warehouses, the chances of crop spoilage are reduced by 30-50%.

Every year millions of tonnes of grain is wasted in India, which can be saved by keeping it in controlled warehouses.

• Example: While grains spoil quickly in ordinary warehouses, temperature-controlled warehouses keep it safe for a long time.

3. Long-term storage

• Crops like wheat, rice, maize and pulses can be stored safely for months without spoiling.

• With this, farmers can sell the crop at the right time and get better prices.

4. Protection from pests and diseases

• In a controlled environment, the spread of pests and bacteria is less.

Less pesticides have to be used in grains, which keeps the grain more natural and safe.

• Air circulation is better in these warehouses, which maintains freshness.

5. Economic benefits

• Farmers get the right price for the crop because the product does not spoil.

• Due to the good quality of the grain, its demand in the market increases.

In simple language: Impact of science and technological innovation on grains

In today’s time, the use of science and technological innovations is proving to be very helpful in keeping the grain safe and maintaining quality. The use of these technologies in temperature and humidity controlled warehouses prevents the grain from spoiling for a long time.

1. Internet of Things (IoT)

• How does it help? IoT technology installs sensors in the warehouse, which record data such as temperature and humidity in real-time.

• Benefit: This data is immediately known to the warehouse manager, so that changes can be made quickly.

2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning

• How does it work? AI predicts when the grain may be at risk due to weather changes.

• Benefit: Taking timely action reduces losses.

3. Cooling and air circulation system

• How will it be helpful? This system maintains a uniform temperature and humidity inside the warehouse.

• Benefit: The grain does not spoil and remains fresh for a long time.

4. Vacuum packing and gas control technology

• How does it work? Grain is vacuum packed and a gas like nitrogen is put inside.

• Benefit: There is no risk of bacteria and insects growing.

5. Blockchain technology

• How is it useful? Blockchain keeps every information of the warehouse safe.

• Benefit: Farmers, traders, and consumers know that the grain is kept in the right condition. 

6. Smart Pallets and Tracking System

• How does it help? Sensors installed in pallets keep a record of the status and location of the grain.

• Advantage: Easy to monitor each pallet.

7. Drones and Robotics

• How is it useful? Drones monitor the warehouse and robots move the grain bags around.

• Advantage: Saves both time and labor.

8. Automated Monitoring System

• How does it work? The system automatically controls the temperature and humidity.

• Advantage: Maintains the quality of the grain.

Storage of grain has now become safer, faster, and more efficient due to these technological innovations. It not only benefits farmers and traders but also delivers better quality grain to consumers.

Importance of Temperature and Humidity Controlled Warehouses in India

1. Maintaining the quality of agricultural produce

Temperature and humidity can cause pests, mold, and loss of nutrition in grains. Such as:

• Rice and wheat: Excess moisture can spoil them.

• Corn and onions: Their freshness and taste are also affected by moisture.

Temperature-controlled warehouses keep grains in perfect conditions, which maintains their quality for a long time.

2. Reducing crop losses

Every year, millions of tonnes of grain are lost in India only due to poor storage.

• These warehouses are equipped with smart technology, such as temperature sensors and humidity control, which prevents the grain from rotting or spoiling.

3. Long-term storage facilities

Temperature-controlled warehouses help farmers keep their produce for a longer time.

• The crop gets a chance to be sold in the market at the right time.

• Farmers can sell their produce at a better price amid price fluctuations.

4. Maintaining freshness and nutrition

Fruits, vegetables and dairy products spoil quickly due to lack of proper storage.

• Cold storage technology maintains their freshness and nutrition.

• Consumers get fresh and healthy products.

5. Preventing food wastage and food security

Temperature and humidity controlled warehouses prevent grain and crop wastage, thereby strengthening the food security of the country.

The importance of temperature and humidity controlled warehouses is not limited to maintaining the quality of grains only. These warehouses provide stability and security in the entire agricultural supply chain. Through this, farmers get the right price for their products, and food security in the country is also promoted. By using technological innovation and scientific approach properly in these warehouses, we can bring a new revolution in the Indian agricultural sector, which will not only be beneficial for the farmers, but will also prove beneficial for the entire society and the nation.

Contact us – If farmers want to share any valuable information or experiences related to farming, they can connect with us via phone or whatsapp at 9599273766 or you can write to us at “[email protected]”. Through Kisan of India, we will convey your message to the people, because we believe that if the farmers are advanced then the country is happy.

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