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A small potato storage structure.

Author(s) : AHMAD S. G.

Type of article: Article

Summary

A simple low cost, zero energy, evaporatively cooled, potato storage structure was constructed to store 200 kg of potatoes. Two opposite doors along the width of the structure with ventilators at their tops provided cross ventilation. The base of the structure was made of hexagonal wire mesh with angled iron supports for storing potatoes in jute bags. A trapezoidal water tray below the wire mesh provided evaporative cooling. To supplement the cooling, gunny bags were hung in the open doorway and water allowed to drip through a perforated pipe fitted over it from an overhead tank. During 4 months' storage (March to June), observed losses of weight were 15.70%, sprouting 4.31%, rotten tubers 4.60%, and shrunken tubers 3%. These losses were 50% less than those of traditional storage systems. It is concluded that a high profit to cost ratio, longer periods of storage and better control over the storage environment, without any energy requirement for operation, makes this storage structure suitable for small farmers in India.

Details

  • Original title: A small potato storage structure.
  • Record ID : 1999-3698
  • Languages: English
  • Source: Natl. hortic. Res. Dev. Found., Newsl. - vol. 17 - n. 2
  • Publication date: 1997

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