How To Store Wheat Safely And Keep It Weevil-Free

Wheat is typically harvested in the month of April. Some farmers sell their crop immediately in the market, while others prefer to store it and wait for better prices. If you are also considering storing wheat, this simple trick may prove useful for you. (Local18)

Often, stored wheat, whether kept in drums or sacks, gets infested with weevils, which can damage the quality of the grain by eating into it. Because of this, many farmers avoid storing wheat. However, if a few precautionary measures are taken, wheat can be safely stored for a longer period. (Local18)

Usually, after the harvest, farmers store wheat for year-round consumption. But due to a lack of proper storage knowledge, their grain often gets spoiled by weevils. If you're struggling with this issue, it’s best to avoid chemical methods, as they may be harmful to health and degrade the quality of the stored grain. (Local18)

Dr NP Tripathi, an agriculture expert, recommends drying the wheat thoroughly for two to three days before storage. After drying, leave it in a well-ventilated area overnight to allow the wheat to cool down properly—only then should it be stored. (Local18)

While chemical treatments are commonly used to protect stored wheat from weevils, there are also effective organic methods that are both safe and economical. One such method involves placing a dry piece of lime (chuna), wrapped in cloth, in the centre of the stored wheat. This helps keep weevils at bay. (Local18)

Another inexpensive remedy is to place matchsticks in the stored wheat. The sulphur in the match heads helps deter weevils naturally. (Local18)