Study of postharvest technology interventions for enhancing food security

Abstract

This study was conducted to test and install the modified STR dryer and super grain bags to establish post-harvest technology (PHTs) adoption and willingness to pay for PHT in selected villages of Banka and Bhagalpur districts of Bihar, India. It was observed that drying of cereal and pulses crops in STR dryer can remove the moisture up to 2-4 % in 6 to 8 hours of operation with quality retention of food material. The super grain bags were also tested which could arrest the moisture transmission up to some extent which helps in restoring the highest germination rate with better milling quality of paddy. The ample moisture migration and slight variation in lightness in super grain bags could retain the paddy quality than the other packing materials. It was found that farmer ‘awareness on post-harvest technologies is increasing, especially on dryer and super grain bags. The study concludes that PHTs have received high acceptance by farmers who have awareness and knowledge. However, the technology uptake is limited mainly by price affordability, availability and proximity. The present study recommends for subsidizing PHT products with manufacturers to reduce the current market price and increase more awareness campaigns through agro dealers, physical visits to farmers and farmers associations to increase demand for PHTs among farmers.