Abstract
Commercial grade paddy at a moisture content of 13 per cent (wet basis) was stored for twelve months in tightly closed butyl rubber silos of one ton capacity. The butyl liners were supported by circular weldmesh walls and exposed to the open tropical sky under conditions of intense sun and rainfall. The stored paddy was monitored for temperature fluctuations, and monthly samples were assessed for moisture content, germination, fungal and insect activity. Milling and nutritional quality were found to be satisfactory after termination of the storage period. The grain was readily marketable despite its having received no maintenance measures throughout the storage period. The method is recommended as a low capital cost and highly flexib le system suitable for tropical cereal growing areas.
