Post harvest management(Maize)

Drying, Shelling

In-field drying can be supplemented by drying the cobs in improved drying structures (well ventilated cribs) and this reduces the risk of development of moulds.

The cobs can be brought out the cribs spread on mats or trays and exposed to solar radiation to ensure complete drying to the required moisture content for shelling.

Shelling should be done when the maize has a moisture content of 13-14%. Shelling by hand is the most common method. Other types of hand tools and machines are used to making shelling easier and increase capacity.

Maize is shelled for the following reasons:

• Mixing with insecticide is easier and more efficient
• More accurate application rates of insecticide is attained
• Prolonged Shelf life of the Shelled grain
• Less space is required to store shelled grain (volume is reduced by 25-40%)
• It is easier to control and inspect the produce
• Rodents may burrow in cob maize but cant cause significant damage below a surface grain

Once shelled, the maize should be cleaned by winnowing and then treated with the recommended chemical insecticides like Actellic Super (100g of acteric per 100 kg bag)

Storage

• Dried maize can be stored either in cobs or shelled.
• It can be stored in bins, silos, cribs, or in sacks. Sacks should be raised off the ground to allow air circulation.