Application of sealed enclosure fumigation storage technique (SEFUST) for milled rice: an NFA experience

Issue Date

10-2003

Abstract

One of the primary tasks of the National Food Authority (NFA) is to ensure available quantity of good quality rice intended for food security stock. In order to maintain quality, rice must undergo strict quality maintenance and appropriate technology must be adopted, like the "Sealed Enclosure Fumigation Storage Technique (SEFUST)" using Aluminum Phosphide as fumigant. This method is a modification of Controlled Atmosphere Storage Technique (CAST), an alternative way of maintaining the quality of grain during prolonged storage. It also makes possible long-term storage that has the advantages of improving the efficacy of fumigation, reducing fumigated use, eliminating need for repeated spray application and fumigation and the possibility of residue accumulation. Imported Vietnam and China rice amounting to 550,565 bags (91 piles) were stored using SEFUST in NFA warehouses identified as Food Security Stocks Depot. These were stored for 8 to 10 months and subjected to periodic stock quality monitoring, particularly on % moisture content (MC), % yellowing, incidence of pest and sensory evaluation. Previous studies showed that moisture content of the stocks is an important factor as far as ensuring good quality of the commodity is concerned. The initial MCs of Vietnam rice and China rice were 13.5% and 12.7%, respectively, which were below the recommended 14% safe MC level for stocks in storage. Initial analysis for % grain yellowing gave an average of 1.14% for Vietnam rice and 0.98% for China rice. General observation showed that % yellowing proportionately increased with the length of storage, posting an average of 1.6% for China rice 2.47% for Vietnam rice after 10 months. Pest incidence was relatively negligible and sensory evaluation test results for rice were generally good after 8 to 10 months of storage. The application of SEFUST also provided several advantages based on field reports and testimonials of Quality Assurance Officers, Pest Control Officers and Warehouse supervisors of NFA. The technology is cost-effective, serves as barrier to re-infestation by insects, rodents, birds, dust and dirt, and permit flexibility in the dispersal of stocks, thus ensuring the availability of the commodity at any given time.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

17

Issue

2

Page

186-187

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

RICE; PLANT PRODUCTS; ORGANOLEPTIC PROPERTIES; FUMIGATION; PROTECTION; HANDLING

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