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Non-chemical disinfestation is no longer just a futuristic idea—it is a practical and necessary approach for modern grain storage and processing. Implementing non-chemical methods in rice mills and steel silos has proven effective in maintaining hygiene, preventing infestations, and reducing dependence on chemicals, all while ensuring sustainable operations. In this blog, we share key design and operational strategies for achieving pest-free storage facilities without relying on harsh chemicals. 1. Structural Measures for Pest Prevention Cattle Traps at Facility EntranceInstalling a cattle trap at the entrance helps remove mud, dirt, and potential contaminants brought in from outside, reducing the risk of cross-contamination. Rodent-Proof Boundary WallsMice can typically dig burrows up to 30 inches deep. Designing boundary walls with this in mind, along with a smooth, tile-like finish, makes it difficult for rodents to enter the facility. No Greenery Around the PlantPlants and shrubs attract insects. Keeping the facility area free from greenery reduces insect infestation risks. Proper Drainage SystemsWater stagnation provides a breeding ground for pests. A well-designed stormwater drainage system ensures water does not accumulate, keeping the facility dry and safe. Rounded Wall CornersWalls with rounded corners prevent dust accumulation, which can harbor insects and pests. Smooth surfaces combined with proper hygiene practices limit infestation opportunities. 2. Hygiene and Cleaning Practices Vacuum Cleaning Over BroomingRegular vacuum cleaning removes dust and insect eggs effectively. Unlike sweeping, which can spread dust and infestations, vacuuming ensures early control of potential pests. Preventive MonitoringMonitoring preventive fumigation helps assess its efficacy. This proactive approach allows the facility to avoid reactive or curative chemical treatments, reducing overall chemical use. 3. Non-Chemical Disinfestation Technologies Chilling, Nitrogen, and Ozone (O₃) TreatmentsAdvanced non-chemical methods like chilling, nitrogen enrichment, and ozone application can control pests without harmful chemicals. A cost-benefit analysis helps identify the most effective and efficient method for your facility. Conclusion Designing and operating grain storage facilities with non-chemical disinfestation strategies ensures safer, more sustainable storage. By combining preventive design, strict hygiene practices, and modern technologies, facilities can maintain high standards of food safety while significantly reducing chemical usage. Sustainability, efficiency, and hygiene go hand in hand when preventive measures are prioritized.

Daydreaming since 1986 eventually became an addiction—and that journey still continues. From making super silky rice to grading the broken, enabling efficient paddy drying, continuous parboiling, bulk storage, and more—these have been some of the louder milestones along the way. Over the decades, the commodities of land, labour, and other resources have shifted from being easily and cheaply available to becoming increasingly unaffordable. This reality calls for new ways of tackling challenges. Daydreaming once again points toward an innovative solution: re-imagining the Rice Mill as a vertical tower. A vertical design brings multiple advantages—ease of automation, reduced power consumption, and minimized wear and tear of equipment. Structural engineering has also evolved over the years, making it possible to design safe and economical towers with multiple mezzanine levels. Such an approach not only optimizes space but also ensures efficiency in operations. Of course, this vision demands careful techno-commercial considerations. Yet, the potential is promising. A vertical tower design could even bring the additional benefit of reducing reliance on chemical disinfestation. As we step into the festive season, let this be a time of evolution under brighter light—toward smarter, more sustainable rice milling for the future.

From school through to college to Universities, I listened to my teachers and learnt a lot — but at this stage of my life, I am learning while teaching. Recently, NIBSCOM (National Institute of Banking Studies and Corporate Management) invited me for two sessions on Bulk Storage and Rice Milling industries from a future investments point of view. Managers to Senior Managers were there to listen to my views on the future of these industries — but their questions were equally enlightening. Thanks to Dr. M.P. Singh of NIBSCOM, the interactions were very smooth. The Rice Milling Journey I shared how I personally witnessed Basmati rice exports grow from Rs 650 million in 1986 to $5.8 billion today. All credit goes to the millers, who in turn expressed gratitude to the bankers for making working capital loans more accessible. Now, it is time for non-basmati millers to raise the bar. The Future of Bulk Storage As regards bulk storage, the country is poised to invest about Rs 2.5 lakh crores in the coming years to create: 60 million tons of centralized bulk storage capacity, and 70 million tons at the farm level. I could clearly observe the salivating faces of the bankers at the thought of this huge investment opportunity. Balancing Technology & Commerce It was indeed tough for me to reduce my technical thoughts and simplify the concepts — but in the end, it probably justified my techno-commercial reasoning. A sincere thanks to Dr. M.P. Singh for this unique opportunity.

Bulk storage of food grains in steel silos needs few minor details of the design which goes long way for ease of operations. Silo is been adapted for the mechanization of operations 24X7 which requires few steps to make sure un-interrupted operations. The intake pit design specially a corrosive grains like paddy. The diagram guides the design parameter for ease of operations. For making sure the silo chute discharge does not clog during the reclaim process the slide gate needs to be installed in inclined way to make sure that the static pressure on the food grains will emit droplets of the water which helps in sprouting of the grain and eventually clog the gate. If we have incline gate the droplets escapes the chute and making sure the free operation of the sliding gate. Reference: Learning Platform – Lotusharvestec

My journey from IIT Kharagpur to the rice fields of Karnal — and how a plant pathologist’s wisdom transformed Basmati farming forever. After graduating from IIT Kharagpur, my professional journey began at United Rice Ltd. in Karnal. Interestingly, the first-generation promoters of Tilda Rice Ltd. were also behind United Riceland Ltd., where I started as a fresher. While my initial challenge was overseeing the successful commissioning of Satake’s friction polishing technology, the real problem we faced was much deeper — how to increase farm production of Basmati rice. As I visited multiple farms, it became evident that a fungal disease was significantly deterring farmers from cultivating Basmati. Their lack of motivation was understandable — low yields due to disease made it a risky crop. During this critical phase, I reached out to the Agricultural University, Rohtak, particularly its extension service center at Kaul. There, I met Dr. S.C. Ahuja, a respected Plant Pathologist, who proved instrumental in addressing the issue. With his guidance, we initiated awareness campaigns and encouraged farmers to spray Bavistin, a fungicide that could effectively combat the issue. In fact, I personally took part in spraying the fields during the 1986 season. The results were nothing short of remarkable. By 1987, farm production saw a significant boost, and for the first time, India began to emerge prominently on the global map as a leading exporter of Basmati rice. This collaboration between science and field practice was a turning point. 🔬 Honoring Dr. SC Ahuja’s Legacy Now retired, Dr. S.C. Ahuja reached out to me with a valuable gesture — he wished to share his invaluable collection of scientific research papers related to rice storage, nutrition, and aroma. With great respect and a sense of responsibility, I am beginning to publish these works here on my blog, one paper at a time, for the benefit of researchers, students, and industry professionals alike. This is the first installment in the series. I believe many in the agricultural and food science communities will find this body of work incredibly insightful. 📚 Featured Research Papers by Dr. S.C. Ahuja: Effect of Storage on Fatty Acid (Oryza sativa L.) Profiles of Basmati Rice Genotypes – Effecct of storage on fatty acid profiles of basmati rices_0001 Influence of Storage on Aroma and Activities of Phytase, Peroxidase, Amylase, and Lipase in Basmati and Non-Basmati Rice- INFLUENCE OD STORAGE ON AROMA and ENZYME ACTIVITIES IN BASMATI _0001 Nutritional Evaluation of Basmati Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Genotypes- NUTRIION IN VARIOUS BASMATI RICES _0001 Studies on Phytic Acid, Aroma, and Leachates of Basmati Rice (Oryza sativa L.) During Storage- PHYTIC ACID AROMA AND LEACHATES OF BASMATI DURING STORAGE DEKA_0001  📧 For Further Reference or Collaboration: You may directly reach out to: Dr. S.C. AhujaSenior Plant PathologistRice Research Station, CCS HAU, Kaul📧 Email: sca4719@yahoo.co.uk Mrs. Uma AhujaProfessor, Genetics and Plant Breeding, College of Agriculture, Kaul – 136021📧 Email: ua5419@yahoo.co.uk

The Indian rice milling industry has made remarkable progress — from hand pounding, to hullers, to fully automated rice mills. Today, milling operations are well-settled at an optimum level of efficiency, with nominal steam pressure and high-pressure steaming technologies widely adopted, especially for aged rice. One of the biggest improvements has been the transition to bulk paddy storage, reducing losses and boosting milling yields. By continuously adapting to challenges, India has risen to become the world’s largest exporter of rice. A Journey Since 1986 I have been fortunate to witness this transformation since 1986. It is both satisfying and inspiring to see how far the industry has come. Yet, I also feel a concern: many millers now seem to have entered a “comfort zone.” True progress cannot stop here. I believe the next phase for the rice milling industry lies in value addition — particularly through brown rice products and innovative uses of paddy by-products like amorphous silica from husk. Brown Rice: The Healthier Grain Among all food grains, brown rice stands out as one of the healthiest, boosting immunity and offering superior nutrition. The slightly stronger taste due to rice bran can be tackled with appropriate technologies. Quick-cooking brown rice is already available, but it has not yet broken the dominance of unhealthy snacks and refined foods. This presents a clear opportunity. Opportunities for Value-Added Products Brown rice can be transformed into exciting, tasty, and healthy products such as: Brown Rice Bread Brown Rice Pasta Ready-to-Cook Brown Rice Meals & Snacks There is no reason why these cannot taste as good as wheat-based products. With consumers shifting toward high-value millets, there is a vacuum for premium, brown rice–based alternatives in the market. Nutrition: Brown Rice vs White Rice Polished rice is often seen as “cleaner” and more appealing, but the polishing process removes much of the natural enrichment blessed by nature. Brown rice, on the other hand, retains fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals. Nutrient Brown Rice (1 cup) White Rice (1 cup) Calories 232 223 Protein 4.88 g 4.10 g Carbohydrate 49.7 g 49.5 g Fat 1.17 g 0.205 g Dietary Fiber 3.32 g 0.74 g Thiamin (B1) 0.176 g 0.223 g Riboflavin (B2) 0.039 mg 0.021 mg Niacin (B3) 2.730 mg 2.050 mg Vitamin B6 0.284 mg 0.103 mg Folate 10 µg 4 µg Vitamin E 0.196 mg 0.045 mg Magnesium 72.2 mg 22.6 mg Phosphorus 142 mg 57.4 mg Potassium 137 mg 57.4 mg Selenium 26 mg 19 mg Zinc 1.05 mg 0.841 mg “Brown rice is natural enrichment blessed by nature — the challenge is making it more flavorful and convenient.” The Way Forward The rice milling industry has already proven its strength by powering India’s dominance in exports. But now, the challenge is different: to innovate, diversify, and contribute to healthier living. By venturing into brown rice–based products and value additions, the industry can turn rice from just a staple into a superfood revolution. The year 1986 when I started my career I did produce one of the smoothest polished Basmati Rice with a strong feeling “polishing is a necessary evil”. Now over period of time I am contemplating the necessary evil may be an “EVIL” worth ameliorating. I have planned for it and shall give my best shot for healthy snacks & ready to cook based on brown rice. 

Bulk Storage Myths. Mastering Paddy Moisture Management: From Field to Mill”. The Most Underrated Yet Critical Component of Silo Storage: Temperature Monitoring Systems Energy Balance for Rice Milling Operations. Avoiding Moisture Traps: Smarter Aeration for Safer Grain Storage. Reimagining Bagged Grain Storage: Preventing Cross Infestation through Smart Warehouse Design From Reel to Real: Lessons from Indian Cinema. Condensation in Silos – The Hidden Threat to Grain Safety. Silos Fumigation: Rethinking the Standards for Better Results. Kindly do visit this weblink: https://lotusharvestec.com/blog/

Across the world, silos are fumigated using phosphine gas, typically generated either through phosphine generators or a closed-loop fumigation system. The process demands careful timing and execution—especially when exposing aluminium phosphide (Selphos) tablets to release gas in line with prevailing atmospheric conditions. However, during my interactions with silo operators and authorities, including the Food Corporation of India (FCI), I observed a significant lack of uniformity. Practices vary widely in terms of phosphine concentration levels (ppm) and exposure durations, raising concerns about the overall effectiveness of fumigation. This inconsistency, I believe, calls for introspection and scientific validation. Drawing from the FAO Bulletin, the recommended concentration is 285 ppm for 15 days. In my view, extending this duration to 21 days could ensure that even weevil eggs progress to the larval stage and are fully exterminated. Anything less risks leaving behind surviving pests, which often leads to the mistaken belief that insects are developing immunity to phosphine. Grain storage is not just a technical operation—it is a high-stakes business where lapses can lead to massive losses. By adopting uniform best practices, maintaining the right fumigant concentration, and preventing cross-contamination, we can ensure 100% insect mortality and safeguard both food security and farmer value. It’s time the industry shifts from variable methods to a validated, standardized approach in silo fumigation.

Through my interactions on LinkedIn, during webinars, and at seminars, I have observed that condensation in silos remains an under-defined and insufficiently standardized issue. Despite its critical impact on grain quality, this challenge is often overlooked. In my field experience, I relied on a psychrometric chart along with a hygrometer equipped with wet-bulb and dry-bulb thermometers to understand and monitor condensation risks. Another key factor is the capacity of stationary vents and ventilators, which play a vital role in displacing stale air trapped in the silo headspace. To address this effectively, it is essential for silo operators to consult silo manufacturers while designing or upgrading ventilation systems, ensuring that exhaust capacity is properly defined and adequate for safe grain storage. I strongly urge silo operators and industry stakeholders to revisit this critical aspect of silo operations. Proactive measures to prevent condensation not only safeguard stored grains but also enhance operational efficiency and long-term sustainability.

The ambience since last week been vibrating for a weekend Rakhi festival and this week on the Independence day vibrancy. Rather putting up a blog on a serious matter I decided to share my admiration and addition for the Indian movies. Few movies did make long lasting impact on me. First one was Guide which taught me to be ready for sudden change in life and never give up on adverse ones. The second movie Saudagar which taught me professional lesson and eventually I choose to be a Technologist from an Engineer. The story line is Nutan the central character a widow married to Amitabh Bachchan knew the art of making jaggery from the sap of palm trees. This love triangle emphasized how an art or a technology fetches the high income for Amitabh Bachan. Same source of palm tree sap having same utensils for preparing the jiggery resulted in different taste that too by an effortless trick. Out of my 39 years of professional experience I am following the technological learnings with reasonable success rate and I am spreading these learnings to the fraternity at various platforms. I wish you all a nice weekend and best wishes for the Independence Day. Sabse Achcha Gud – Amitabh Bachchan – Saudagar – https://youtu.be/X7j4erTS0AA?si=VkQdqu6rh5XhNa41 Best wishes Munishwar Vasudeva Director Lotus Harvestec Pvt Ltd