POST HARVEST HANDLING OF CORN.

INTODUCTION
CORN(Zea Maize)
Increasing corn acres over the past several years has led to increasing interest in on-
farm drying and storage. Corn quality is the highest at harvest, and producers should
promptly dry newly harvested corn to safe moisture levels in order to maintain quality
and marketability. Producers need to dry corn to 15.5% moisture content (MC) when
corn is to be marketed immediately. Otherwise, corn needs to be dried to 12.0% MC if it
is expected to be stored for several months. We will briefly discuss the fundamentals of
on-farm corn drying, drying methods, fans, storage, grain handling safety, and corn
drying costs.
On farm storage of maize accounts for 80%of all harvested maize in Kenya. Post
harveststorage losses of between 20-30 percent occur within 6 months after harvest if
no intervention measures are undertaken. Major losses are from insect pests, rodents
and pathogens.

Shelling
Shelling is the process of separating the kernels from the cob. It is best done when the
moisture content is 18-20%. In this range, the kernels are already hard and tough to
resist damage or injury during shelling.
Shell corn either manually or by using mechanical shellers. Mechanical shellers are
usualwly used for high-yielding varieties to reduce losses. This type of shellers is
practical to use for corn farms 4 ha or more.

Field drying

Extend the harvesting schedule beyond the maturity date to allow the corn ears to dry i
the field. The moisture content is reduced to about 25%.

This practice is common in areas where wet and dry seasons are distinct. Schedule
planting such that harvesting will fall on the dry months.
Drying

Drying is the most critical postproduction operation. The moisture content of harvested
corn grains is still high. The excess moisture must be removed quickly before grain
deterioration sets in. Drying is an effective method of preserving grain quality.

Ideally, corn grains must be dried down to 14% moisture content to maintain grain
quality. Corn drying is done in two operations, regardless of the drying method used.
These are drying the cobs with or without husks and drying the shelled grain.
Determining Moisture Content
Determine moisture content of corn grains a moisture meter.
In the absence of a moisture meter, use the formula below:
MC = FW - DW x 100

where:
MC is the percent moisture content
FW is the weight just after harvest
DW is the weight after drying

Proper drying
• Harvesting is done manually followed bydrying on platforms or mats on the ground.
•Narrow open-sided crib or open weave baskets are also adequate for drying
After drying the maize should be shelled and treated.

Store hygiene
• Stores should be cleaned to get rid of old grain.
• Insecticides are sprayed to kill any existing insects.

Stored grain pests

Insect pests
• Maize weevils
• Larger grain borer or“scania”
• Moths and red rust flour beetle
Rodents Rats and mice
Pathogens
• Moulds and fungus
Various measures to avoid damage include:
Grain treatment
Grain is treated with storage insecticidal dusts at the rate of 50g per 90kg bag available
at agrovet stores.
• A container for measuring this amount is available within the package.
• The grain is spread on mats and thoroughly mixed with dust using a shovel.
A fluffle can also be used to mix grain.
• Sunning also removes insects but this should be complemented with insecticidal
treatment.
• Rats are controlled through the use of cats, baits or rat guards.
Points to remember
• Maize should be completely dry to avoid fungal attack.
• Maize with high moisture content also renders the insecticidal dusts ineffective.
• Maize should be shelled and treated and thereafter stored in bags or solid walled
containers such as drums.
• Transfer the bagged maize in store or granary and protect from rats with` rat gourds.

● If stored in the house, use a raised platform or wooden logs to avoid contact with
the ground to prevent mould development.

● Leave enough space from the walls for grain

inspection.

● Retreat after 6 months.