Author(s): A.J. Adegbola | F.E. Awagu | S.I. Onimajesin | E.O. Ojuekaiye | O.S. Kamaldeen
Journal: Scientific Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences
ISSN 2322-2956
Volume: 2;
Issue: 3;
Start page: 135;
Date: 2013;
Original page
Keywords: Hermetic | Underutilization | Insects | Merchants | Storage | Cowpea
ABSTRACT
Thepaper asserts that cowpea is a major nutritional legume in West Africa and thatthe grain experiences great losses at postharvest stages especially at storage.It posits that hermetic storage which the PICS is one of have proved to be avery successful storage option for cowpea storage without the use of agrochemicals but that there are daunting problems with its utilization. The studyrevealed among others that having outlets where the PICS can be bought(29%),making the PICS cheaper (45%), convince grain merchants that the PICS is more effective than regular storagebags(19%), and lastly forcing it on grain merchants by government would lead to more usage of the PICS (7%). Basedon the opinion of the cowpea merchants it was recommended that the sellingprice of the PICS be reviewed downwards, and that there should be a massiveenlightenment campaign for the use of the PICS; advantages of the PICS overregular bags and how to use the PICS should be demonstrated in all grainmarkets in the region by extension bodies both public and private.
Journal: Scientific Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences
ISSN 2322-2956
Volume: 2;
Issue: 3;
Start page: 135;
Date: 2013;
Original page
Keywords: Hermetic | Underutilization | Insects | Merchants | Storage | Cowpea
ABSTRACT
Thepaper asserts that cowpea is a major nutritional legume in West Africa and thatthe grain experiences great losses at postharvest stages especially at storage.It posits that hermetic storage which the PICS is one of have proved to be avery successful storage option for cowpea storage without the use of agrochemicals but that there are daunting problems with its utilization. The studyrevealed among others that having outlets where the PICS can be bought(29%),making the PICS cheaper (45%), convince grain merchants that the PICS is more effective than regular storagebags(19%), and lastly forcing it on grain merchants by government would lead to more usage of the PICS (7%). Basedon the opinion of the cowpea merchants it was recommended that the sellingprice of the PICS be reviewed downwards, and that there should be a massiveenlightenment campaign for the use of the PICS; advantages of the PICS overregular bags and how to use the PICS should be demonstrated in all grainmarkets in the region by extension bodies both public and private.
