The Power of Hermetic Storage Technology in Reducing Food Loss and Waste in Pakistan

Safeguard Harvests, Secure Future: The Power of Hermetic Storage Technology in Reducing Food Loss and Waste in Pakistan

Background and overview

Wheat is a staple food in Pakistan and the average daily wheat flour consumption in Pakistan, at 124 kg per capita per year, is among the highest in the world. It is one of the main food crops in Pakistan, with 80% of farmers dedicating around nine million hectares to growing wheat. However, most of non-biofortified wheat varieties are poor in bioavailable zinc and nearly 22 per cent of the population, particularly women and children, are burdened by the prevalence of zinc deficiency. In response, wheat was identified as a potential vehicle that could influence zinc intake. The development of biofortified zinc wheat varieties, Zincol-2016, Akbar 2019, and Nawab 2021 has provided potential for addressing the zinc deficiency in the population.

Due to concerns of losses of wheat grain and seed during storage, there was a need to study the storage options and its methods. According to an FAO report that reviews the wheat sector and grain storage issues, Pakistan is losing roughly USD 76 to 90 million because of inadequate wheat storage (FAO, 2013), and more than 10% of quantitative losses in stored wheat.

Through the Role of Hermetic Technology in the Reduction of Postharvest Losses of Biofortified Zinc Wheat in South Punjab study, GAIN Pakistan investigated the effectiveness of hermetic technology and compared it with conventional storage techniques. The study assessed the use of the technology among smallholder farmers and its effectiveness in the storage of wheat grains and seeds, and its impact on the preservation of key nutrients, such as zinc and iron etc., before and after storage. The seed and grain quality and nutrient indicators were tested every two months over the course of the year, to measure loss / damaged grain, quality (moisture and nutrient content).

Research and study

Although Pakistan has been self-sufficient in growing adequate quantities of food for its population, there has been concerns around food loss and waste. Over 10.5 million of the population faces acute food insecurity, the country also bears the triple burden of malnutrition. Therefore, there is an emphasis on reducing hunger and minimizing food waste and loss at different stages, including packaging, transportation, and storage. When GAIN Pakistan started working with biofortified zinc wheat, the team noticed that conventional ways of storage (including baskets, underground storage pits, mud and straw storage, large iron or steel bins, brick and cement silos, polypropylene and jute sacs etc.) used by households in rural areas needed maintenance and were vulnerable to rain, increased moisture during monsoons and pests. The monsoon season from June until September is responsible for the humid climate that provides an ideal environment for the breeding of weevils and other grain insects. Seed moisture, temperature, and relative humidity of the storage environment are determining factors for the quantitative and qualitative loss of grain and seeds during storage. Studies have affirmed that high seed moisture is the main culprit of seed deterioration, and have suggested that high moisture content during storage is responsible for seed aging, loss of nutrition, storage insect pests, and aflatoxin contamination.

This project was executed from September 2023 to October 2024, by involving smallholder farmers in Khanewal and Multan districts. Wheat seeds of selected varieties were stored at the common storehouse of four farmers at four locations in Multan and Khanewal districts, using local hermetic seed storage technology and conventional storage. The study observed the use of conventional storage polypropylene bags, jute bags, wheat storage drums/ bharola, locally manufactured hermetic bags, and imported hermetic bags and its impact on seed quality, nutritional composition, and aflatoxin contamination.

Common storage methods versus hermetic storage technology

In Pakistan, the various wheat storage methods that are in use by the public and private sectors include house-type godowns, concrete/steel/grain silos, bulkhead, bini shells, hexagonal shells, open bulkheads, open storages, etc. Especially in the case of farmers, a majority use baskets, underground storage, polypropylene bags, jute bags, mud storage, brick and cement silos, iron silos and bins, etc.

Hermetic storage technology, on the other hand, is a technique that uses sealed, airtight containers to control moisture and prevent insect infestation in stored dry agricultural products. It’s airtight, which reduces the exposure to oxygen and moisture, and conserves the quality of the seed and grain, and ensures better germinating capacity if it is stored well. While several studies prove and recommend hermetic storage, this is the first time it is being tested in Pakistan at the farmer level.

Advantages of hermetic storage technology

Hermetic technology is a proven technology in reducing post-harvest losses. A study by the Spate Irrigation Network found that hermetic storage has proven more effective globally, providing a pesticide-free and eco-friendly solution for storing paddy rice for up to 12 months, which benefits smallholder farmers and rice milling companies (Covele et al., 2020). Similarly, another study revealed that hermetic storage methods performed better in preserving germination, nutritional value, and minimizing seed damage (Kuyu et al., 2022). The technology is effective, green, low-cost, and easy to adopt. 

Challenges of hermetic storage technology

The main challenge of hermetic storage technology is that it is unfamiliar to the farmers, who are therefore reluctant to store their grain in these bags or containers. The added costs associated with hermetic storage is another barrier to entry. Recently, a few local companies are manufacturing low-cost hermetic structures, however, the lack of demand and the lack of evidence and awareness are barriers to its commercial viability. The study, currently in its final stage of completion, would provide the necessary evidence and guidance to farmers and the seed industry about the recommendations for wheat grain and seed storage along with cost benefits analysis of conventional and hermetic storage. It would also provide guidance to the food industry about wheat grain and flour storage and its impact on nutritional contents.

Impact on farmers, local businesses, and scale-up

Some farmers like Rana Mumtaz 33 BC, Bahawalpur, are working for the Improving Seed Multiplication Systems for Biofortified Wheat Zinc (BZW) through Farmer-Led Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), with the technical support of Association for Gender Awareness and Human Empowerment (AGAHE), GAIN Pakistan’s Implementing partner for the Nutrients Enriched Crops Program). Rana Mumtaz, is using hermetic bags to store their seed and grains. Mumtaz got involved with different activities for improving seed systems, like training in seed storage and management, seed quality trainings, and equipping the CBOs with seed graders. Mumtaz planted the BZW basic seed and the results were remarkable. Wheat cropping or sowing begins in mid-November each year and is harvested by April or May. By the end of the previous wheat season, 2023-24, he harvested 45 mounds of wheat from 50KG of BZW seed bags. Rana Mumtaz decided to store 44 mounds of seeds in hermetic bags after grading them. Some farmers were willing to try storing seeds they had multiplied, as they recognized the benefits and had greater trust in the method.

However, there is still a lack of awareness and understanding of how hermetic storage works, and cost remains a barrier. If plastic hermetic bags get punctured, they need to be replaced, which adds to the farmer’s concerns. Ensuring the safe storage of these bags without damage is challenging, especially since storage spaces often contain farming equipment, tools, and livestock, posing practical difficulties.

Due to the lack of government support, there has been little adoption of hermetic storage technology. Although, with increased government involvement, more companies could be encouraged to enter the market. A scientist at Faisalabad University has already developed locally-made hermetic bags and shared the technology with several companies in Faisalabad. These locally-produced bags are more affordable than the imported ones, and cost $1.10 compared to $2. Currently, only chili farmers use these bags to store their dried chilies, as improper storage can lead to aflatoxin contamination in spices. But creating demand requires investment, which new companies cannot afford, local manufacturers, therefore, typically wait on orders rather than investing in demand generation.

The future of hermetic storage technology

Although it is easy to suggest government involvement, achieving policy-level support and action is challenging. Even with clear, significant benefits, progress is hindered by limited commitment.

Currently, the durability and cost of the hermetic bag is a major issue for wider technology adoption. So there is need to work on cost reduction, like as well as durability by the commercial sector for its wider adoption. Government support in reducing taxes on materials that need to be imported for the manufacturing of hermetic storage can also be a huge impetus.

Private wheat seed companies should be encouraged to adopt hermetic storage for wheat seeds, that offers significant advantages in terms of maintaining seed quality, preventing pest infestations, and minimizing post-harvest losses.

A dynamic awareness campaign must be launched to inspire farmers to adopt hermetic storage for preserving seeds for the next cropping season. Grounded in study results, and demonstrating a favorable cost-benefit ratio, this initiative can transform seed storage practices. Furthermore, engaging seed companies as key partners will amplify the campaign's reach, ensuring farmers are educated and empowered to safeguard their harvests and secure their future.

How can you play a role in this change? Share this story, support initiatives that promote better food storage, and consider the ripple effect small improvements can have in communities like those in rural Pakistan. Together, we can fight food loss and ensure a healthier future.