Pests: 10-15% of wheat yield lost during storage

LAHORE:

Agriculture experts have said that each year almost 10 to 15% of stored wheat is harmed by insects in godowns, and advised utmost care to avoid losses.

Agricultural experts said on Tuesday that increases in moisture levels in the weather creates favourable breeding conditions for insects which attack the stored wheat. “Insect attack reduces the quality of wheat along with its nutritional value”, they added.

Experts asked the farmers to store their wheat in metal silos. The silos should be two to three feet high from the ground level to prevent moisture. Farmers should check cracks or holes in the silos and continue to check on the stored wheat on regular basis. Additionally, growers are advised to use pesticides and dry wheat grain in the sun.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 15^th, 2013.

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