Design of a Low-Cost Grain Storage Silo for Smallholder Farmers in Plateau State

This study involves the design, construction, and evaluation of a low-cost hermetic grain storage silo appropriate for smallholder farmers in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. Post-harvest grain storage losses in Nigeria are estimated at 20 to 40 percent of total production, with insect pests and mould being the primary loss agents. Traditional storage structures used by smallholder farmers in Plateau State provide inadequate protection against weevils, Callosobruchus species, and Aspergillus mould contamination. This study designs a low-cost hermetic silo using galvanised steel sheets, rubber seals, and a welded airtight construction approach achievable by local artisans with basic fabrication skills. The silo is designed to hold 500 kilograms of maize or sorghum grain. Storage trials are conducted over six months using maize grain stored at 13 percent moisture content in Plateau State highland conditions, comparing hermetic silos against traditional jute bag storage. Insect infestation rates, germination percentage, and grain weight loss are measured monthly. Findings reveal that hermetic silo storage reduces grain weight loss to less than 1 percent over six months compared to 18 percent in traditional bags. Germination percentage is maintained above 92 percent in hermetic storage versus a decline to 34 percent in traditional storage. The study concludes that low-cost hermetic silos are highly effective for reducing post-harvest losses. It recommends inclusion of silo fabrication training in extension programmes for Plateau State farmers.

Keywords: grain storage, hermetic silo, post-harvest losses, Plateau State, smallholder farmers.