HERMETIC STORAGE TECHNOLOGY: REDUCING POST-HARVEST LOSSES OF DRIED AGRICULTURAL COMMODITIES

Abstract

Insect infestation and mold growth are major problems during long-term storage of dried agricultural commodities as they result in weight loss, contamination, deterioration, and increase chances of fungal contamination. Mold growth often results in mycotoxin production, which is associated with health problems including aflatoxicosis, cancer, and micronutrient deficiencies. Hermetic storage technology, a bio-generated modified atmosphere based on oxygen-depleted and carbon dioxide enriched atmosphere caused by respiring living organisms in the sealed storage, was utilized for various trials in several locations. Several installations were done using GrainPro hermetic solutions including GrainPro Cocoon, Cocoon Indoor, and GrainPro Hermetic Bags (GHBs). Maize was stored in GrainPro Cocoon in Indonesia and was monitored using EcoWiSe, wireless sensing system designed to remotely monitor temperature, % Relative Humidity, and carbon dioxide level in gastight container. From this set-up, an increase in carbon dioxide level was observed and dead insects were found after long-term storage of maize. In the Philippines, rice bran was stored in GrainPro Cocoon for two months. The Free fatty acid (FFA) level remained low due to low oxygen levels inside the Cocoon. A trial was conducted in India for storage of red chili pepper (RCPs) in Cocoon Indoor and GHBs. Cocoon Indoor and GHBs were proven to be effective in preventing aflatoxin production during storage of RCPs for six months. Hermetic storage technology minimizes storage losses, prolongs shelf-life of agricultural goods by eliminating insect infestation, preserving the quality of stored commodity, and inhibits growth of molds and toxin production.