Brenda Ziga Herald Reporter
Metal silos and hermetic bags are some of the best methods smallholder farmers can use to protect grain from larger grain borers, a University of Zimbabwe research has revealed.
The university conducted the research in Mbire and Hwedza districts for the last two seasons.
The hermetic bags and metal silos cut off oxygen to weevils that damage grain.
Professor Brighton Mvumi from the university who was leading the project, said the research was done to assist farmers select better methods to store grain and avoid post harvest losses.
“The trials were meant to promote co-learning and co-innovation amongst various stakeholders on farmers’ post-harvest problems.
“The trials tested a range of possible grain storage options, especially in the context of the emergence of the larger grain borer, which has become a serious threat to household and national food security due to a changing climate,” he said.
This is a shift from using traditional granaries or polythene sacks, which could not last long.
The trials were facilitated by the University of Zimbabwe Post harvest Research Team and the District stakeholders led by Agritex.
The project is part of the research for development under the “Supporting smallholder farmers in Southern Africa to better manage climate related risks to crop production and post harvest handling (CLIRCS Project)”, funded by European Union (EU) through the leadership of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).