Question

How do storage grain losses occur?

Answer 1

Various biotic and abiotic factors act on stored grains, resulting in degradation, poor germinability, discolouration, etc. Biotic factors include insects or pests that cause direct damage by feeding on seeds. They also deteriorate and contaminate the grain, making it unfit for further consumption. Abiotic factors such as temperature, light, moisture, etc., also affect the seed. They decrease the germinating ability of the seeds and make them unfit for future use by farmers. Unpredictable occurrences of natural calamities, such as droughts and floods, also cause the destruction of crops.