Quantitative and Qualitative Losses in Paddy, Maize and Greengram Stored under Household Conditions in Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka

Abstract

Substantial losses are common due to various reasons of durable crops during storage, which threatens economy, health and food security. Despite the frequent reports on post-harvest losses of paddy and other cereals throughout Sri Lanka, a comprehensive study has not been conducted in Anuradhapura district in recent past to assess storage losses of aforesaid commodities. Objectives of this study were to find out main types of durable crops stored following harvest, and their quantitative and qualitative losses incurred during storage period at the household level in Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka. Data were collected throughout Anuradhapura district representing all 22 divisional secretariats. The main stored commodities were paddy, maize and greengram. The storage period varied from 4 to 12 months. The storage losses of Nadu and Samba rice varietal types respectively were highest in Palagala and Kekirawa, whereas losses were minimum in Rambewa and Galenbindunuwewa. The main qualitative losses were the presence of damaged seeds, grain flour/dust, grains without kernel and faecal matter. The study highlights that severe quantitative and qualitative losses occur during storage of rice, maize and greengram, and appropriate remedial measures are needed to be developed to minimize the said losses ensuring food security.