We have extensive experience in carrying out silo fumigation and currently maintaining silos across various locations in India. The importance of Silo in post harvest storage is an important factor which contributes to steady supply of grains and consistent profit. If fumigation methods and storage infrastructures are built, the consistency and profitability of grain trade can improve. Specific conditions such as breakage of grain and moisture levels which impact quality can be monitored. Structural Audits and check of silos should take place prior to each seasons harvest as the health of the silo directly impacts the efficacy of fumigation.

If the silo is maintained in good condition the fumigation will be more effective as CT and exposure periods can be precise and gas leakage would not be an issue. In conjunction with fumigating the contents of the silo other protocols of IPM (integrated pest management) should also be implemented, specifically bird proofing and rodent management. This also inhibits them from attracting other pest which cannot only be detrimental to the stored commodity but also damage the structure of the silo. Silo fumigation unlike stacks or containers is not easily calculated . The CT and exposure periods are widely different as they can be affected by the type silo,the size of the cone, whether single or double,present above or below the cylindrical shape and which commodity is stored can all affect its gas retention.

Post harvest storage in India is predominantly within warehouse structures. Many exporters have acknowledged the economic reliability of warehouse storage and have integrated post production warehouse storage to enhance their product life. Warehouse provides greater flexibility for storage of different types of commodities. Fumigation in a warehouse greatly depends on the commodity stored inside a warehouse. Therefore a combined process of integrated pest management and fumigation must be practiced to maintain the quality and integrity of the cargo.

Fumigation inside a warehouse must be carried out in specially marked treatment area or designated quarantine zone with clear caution notices specifying that unauthorized personnel must not enter the fumigation treatment area must be placed . The treatment area must have at least 3 ft of empty perimeter space from the wall to carry out the fumigation. The cargo to be fumigated should be stacked properly. It is then covered with the fumigation sheets. Sandbags are used to make the enclosure gas tight to prevent the loss of fumigants. The gas levels are monitored throughout the exposure period at specified intervals in order to maintain the concentration levels.

After completion of the recommended exposure period the aeration process is carried out by the authorized personnel and the enclosure is declared gas free and the cargo is ready to be stuffed into containers or moved to a separate area where non-infested cargoes are stored.