Post-harvest refers to the final stage of production. Any losses experienced at this stage are more severe as they represent a complete wastage of all resources—time, money, inputs, and labor—used during production.
Remember: It takes both time and money to get a good harvest. Don’t let all your hard work go to waste!
Main Functions of Post-Harvest Management
- Maintain the good quality of harvested produce for the market.
- Reduce losses in both weight and quality after harvest.
Golden Rule: Quality cannot be improved after harvest, but it can be maintained.
Causes of Post-Harvest Losses
- Poor handling of produce from the field to the marketplace.
- Poor transportation and distribution systems.
- Improper harvesting methods.
- Inappropriate containers or packaging materials.
- Poor storage conditions.
- Lack of adequate and appropriate storage facilities.
| ACTIVE INGREDIENT | APPLICATION RATE | TARGET PEST/CROP | COMMON BRANDS |
| Pirimiphos-methyl 16 g/kg + Permethrin 3 g/kg Specialized grain dust insecticide for protecting stored grains from pests. Dual-active ingredients provide contact, fumigant, and stomach action. | 50 g per 90 kg bag | Target Pests: Weevils Target Crops: Beans, Cowpeas, Green grams, Maize, Pigeon peas, Rice, Wheat, Millet, Sorghum | Actellic Super |
| Deltamethrin 2 g/kg + Pirimiphos-methyl 18 g/kg Broad-spectrum storage dusting insecticide with rapid knockdown for all storage pests. | 50 g per 90 kg bag | Target Pests: Larger grain borer (Osama), Weevil, Red flour beetle Target Crops: Beans, Cowpeas, Green grams, Maize, Pigeon peas, Rice, Wheat, Millet, Sorghum | President Gold |
| Malathion 2% + Permethrin 0.3% Dust Effective against cereal grain borers and weevils through contact, stomach, and respiratory action. | 50 g per 90 kg bag | Target Pests: Cereal grain borers, Weevils Target Crops: Various grains | Skana Super |
Non-Chemical Solutions – Hermetic Bags
Special airtight storage bags that protect grains and pulses from insect damage, mold, and moisture without pesticides. They work by creating a sealed environment that prevents oxygen entry, killing pests by suffocation.
Examples:
- PICS Bag (Kinga Njaa)
- Mfuko Safi (AgroZ)
- Elite Bag
- Ndume Bag
Usage Steps: - Dry grains thoroughly to 12–13% moisture content.
- Clean grains to remove debris and damaged seeds.
- Fill the bag, leaving space to tie or seal securely.
- Close tightly to ensure an airtight seal.
- Store in a cool, dry place, off the ground, and away from rodents.