Bagged Storage in Warehouse Vs Bulk Storage in Silos

India is producing approximately 1000 Lakh MT of wheat every year. However due to improper storage methodologies approx. 10% wheat gets spoiled every year .

Currently most of the grains in India is stored in Bags in warehouses which has lot many losses associated with it. Infact Bagged storage is the most expensive mode of grain storage in the world. Besides its high capital and operations cost there are lot of other loses as mentioned below;

Major losses in bagged storage of grains

1. Losses due to spillage from bags

2. Losses due to Rodent Attacks

3. Losses due to Birds Dropping

4. Losses due to theft and pilferage

5. Losses due to Infestations because of ineffective fumigation

6. Losses due to Slow Speed of Manual Bagged System

7. Losses due to Bag Handling Costs

8. Losses due to Bulk to bag and then Bag to Bulk Conversions

The concept of modern grain storage is not new. World over it is being used to store grains in the most effective and efficient way since 1907. In India the first silo facility was inaugurated in 1959 in Hapur, UP. However in India this concept has gained acceptance after 2006 when FCI initiated a pilot project of 2 Base Depot and 5 Field Depot on PPP Model basis.

Modern grain storage or Scientific Storage means Real Time Monitoring of Quality and Quantity of grains. There are many methodologies of Modern Grain Storage some are shown below. All have advantages and disadvantages. The concept of storing grains in Silos is most acceptable for Long-term grain storage as it is scientific and ensures rapid handling of grains

Types of Grain Storage

1. Grain Silo Facility

Grain Silo Facility

2. Bunker Silos

Concrete Bunker Silo

3. Bag Silos

Bagged Storage

4. Grain Silos

Rostfrei make Zincalume Steel Silo

Advantages of GRAIN storage in Steels Silos

1. Economical Storage – Silo Storage is Most Economical and Automated Permanent Long Term Storage. Capital Cost of Warehouse storgae beyond 5000MT is always more than the Silo Cost. Operation cost per MT is very less compared to bagged storage which is approximately half as compared to bagged storage

2. Competitive Advantage – Since Storage cost per MT decreases to just half as compared to bagged storage, thus more profit margins in processing grains

3. Increased Production – In silos Mechanised, and High Speed Rapid transfer of grains is possible

4. Minimum Grain Losses – There are Negligible Spillages, No Rodent’s Attacks and No Infestation in Silos

5. Reduced Manpower – No more manual labor for bag handling and sun drying of bagged stacks

6. Negligible Grain Loss due to Bugs - Effective Fumigation hence No Infestation problems and also much lesser fumigant required

7. Condition Monitoring – Due to Temperature Monitoring and Aeration equipment Cooling and Natural Air Drying in Silos possible

8. Real Time Quality and Quantity – Due to level measuring and condition monitoring equipment stocks can be easily reconciled for quantity and quality

Qualities of Grain Silo one must look for in a Grain Silo

1. Durability; as it is a long term investment

2. Good Corrosion Resistant properties so as to withstand corrosion due to high moisture grains

3. Excellent Thermal Reflectivity of Solar Heat to reduce Heat Radiations inside Silo

4. Properly sized Aeration to induce Cooling or Natural Air Drying of Grains

5. Properly sized Roof Exhaust fans and Goose Neck Type Vents must to avoid condensation problems

6. Good Condition Monitoring Equipment i.e. Temperature Sensing Cables with Software

7. Properly sized effective Closed Loop Fumigation system with tablet dispensers

8. Effectively Sealed to satisfy half life pressure test so that fumigant does not escape