Hermetic bag an effective and economic rice storage technology in Bangladesh

Abstract. Storage of rice is a crucial problem in Bangladesh, where storage loses occurred around 7-12%. A study was conducted to evaluate hermetic bag (GrainPro and PICS) as a safe storage technology for rice. Experiment laid out in completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications and six treatments in the departmental laboratory. Treatments of the study were Dole, Motka, Plastic drum, Plastic bag, PICS bag and GrainPro bag. Moisture content found unchanged (12%) in GrainPro and PICS bag during five months (May-October, 2016). Highest insect infestation of stored rice was found in Dole followed by Plastic bag, Motka and Plastic drum, whereas no insect infestation was observed in GrainPro and PICS bag. Weight loss of stored rice was found maximum (more than 2%) in Dole and least (less than 0.1%) in PICS and GrainPro bag. Maximum storage loss (6.2%) occurred in Motka, however minimum loss (0.06-0.15%) was found in hermetic Bag. Average germination capacity of stored rice was observed ≥91% before storage and it fell down to 42% in Dole, however, it was within acceptable range (above 80%) in PICS and GrainPro bag. Maximum value addition (43-45%) was found in GrainPro and PICS Bag. Hermetic bag was found better in terms of storage period, weight loss, storage quality, and financial benefits for rice storage in Bangladesh.