STORAGE OF QUALITY SEED AND METHOD OF STOGARE; TRADITIONAL AND MODERN METHOD

Storage of seed is very important in the aspect of agriculture as it is necessary to protect the seed from insect, pests and pathogens. A simple understanding of storage is preservation whether it is viable or not. Seeds are preserved for future sowing whereas grains are preserved for the future use. From a genetic point of view to agronomical aspect storage is an absolute topic to know about. Proper storage is needed for Genetic research and preservation for future use , also storage confirms the use of seeds and grains for the future when needed. It is much important to learn and know about the storage system as compared to knowing their agricultural practices. Research shows that about 20-30% of total production is lost in postharvest handling, and storage comprises its significant contribution. Most horticultural seeds in Nepal are locally produced or self-saved and stored without facilities for maintaining dryness that would greatly extend the seed longetivity in storage. The seeds should be stored in such a way that seeds should contain minimum seed vigour, moisture content and germination capacity.In tropical climates, high temperature and and humid conditions combine to cause the rapid deterioration of seed in open storage, resulting in lost value , poor stand establishment, lowered productivity and a disincentive to invest in improved seeds. The demand of seed is in increasing rate . Cultivation in large scale has started . But there is lack of improved variety seeds for growers as there is no provision of seed storage house and storage technologies.

METHOD OF STORAGE

Different types of storage system and practices has been followed from the past and with the advancement of technology. There are two method of storage of seed :
1) Traditional method
2) Modern method

Traditional method

The people of rural areas use the traditional methods as there is no proper modern facilities. The traditional storage practices include:

a) Bamboo mat (bhakari) : This is the storage found in the village in their storage room. These storage are bounded by bamboo mat

b) Buikal( on the rooftop floor) : This kind of technique is used for the storage of maize, potato and other grains. Here the seeds are harvested and stored on the rooftop. Prior to storage seed are treated with homemade ways like ash, cow dung, neem leaves, tulsi leaves etc for controlling insect and pests.

c) Separate house for storage: The mostly used technique where separate house small type is made and the whole harvest is stored along with before mentioned ways for repelling insect and pests.

Advantages

• Product are easily available.

• It does not need basic knowledge and skill.

Disadvantages

• Easy access to pests and and rodents.

• Short storage life.

• Poor seed quality

Modern method

This method includes the most advanced and well- equipped ways of storage. It includes storage on cold storage, and sophisticated methods. Metal bins and hermetic super grain bags (SGB) are also used. At seed banks seed stored to preserve genetic diversity. Seeds are dried to optimum moisture content, evaluated for quality and genetic purity and sealed in moisture-proof containers. For short storage, seeds are dried and placed in sealed comtainers at 5 degree celcius. They are stored at a temperature below freezing for long term preservation.

Advantages

• Good seed quality
• Large quantities of seed can be stored at a time.
• Long storage life.
• Less access to diseases and insect and pests.

Disadvantages

• High cost.
• It needs basic knowledge and skill.
• Product are not easily available.

Conclusion

Hence storage of seed is very important in the aspect of agriculture as it is necessary to protect the seed from insects , pests and diseases. To preserve the quality seed for a longer period of time and for the production of hybrid and quality seeds , modern storage is more applicable than traditional storages. It is therefore known that indigenous practices is best for small holdings. Only small holdings cannot handle supply- demand ratio. New innovations for seed storage and also updated version of indigenous method is the primary need of the country in agricultural sector.

Writer: Shanti Sharma (Student, Bsc Ag 4th semester, IAAS, Paklihawa)