RA 00048.pdf - OAR@ICRISAT

lems have arisen only in recent years. While many
countries have not yet recognized the importance
of improving the postharvest grain system for
reducing grain loss and improving the efficiency of
operations, international agencies and organizations
are becoming increasingly aware of this
problem. Possibly the strongest support for a
coordinated postharvest program came from the
Jnited Nations Resolution of September 1975,
calling for a 5 0 % reduction in postharvest food
losses by 1985, and the cooperation of all countries
in attaining this objective. Recognition of its
importance alone is not enough; rather, there
should be a strong and long-term commitment by
the governments with sufficient allocation of
resources and concrete efforts through cooperation,
coordination and communication by many
concerned groups (i.e., government, scientific
community, private sector, producers, international
agencies, etc.), in order to have successful
postharvest grain technology programs.
The following suggestions and recommendations
for improving the postharvest grain systems
in developing countries are given, based on our
observations in many developing countries and on
the paper, "Priorities for Action in Grain Postharvest
Loss Reduction" prepared by GASGA members,
(FAO, IRAT, IDRC, KSU and TPI):
1. Institutional D e v e l o p m e n t
As mentioned in the preceding section, in general
the governmental organization solely responsible
for improved grain postharvest systems in the
developing countries is virtually nonexistent. It is
important that all postharvest planning and activity
should be closely integrated and coordinated.
Therefore, it is suggested that a postharvest
division or section be established within the
ministry of agriculture.
A technical support unit is also essential to the
planners in postharvest systems. Such a unit will
require a cadre of special staff experienced in
postharvest technology, marketing, training and
extension. Adaptive research and training programs
are also essential for the development of
improved postharvest systems in the developing
countries. These can be best achieved through
the establishment of a postharvest research and
training center attached to an agricultural college
or the ministry of agriculture. While the above
technical support unit can be initiated with the
assistance of donor agencies and foreign experts,
it should, as soon as possible, be staffed at all
levels by local personnel and be financed from
local funds. In this way, continuity of effort and
local experience can be obtained for the backup of
the long-term plans and programs.
2. Training
The unavailability of adequately trained and experienced
manpower is one of the major constraints
in developing improved grain postharvest systems
in developing countries. The development of
well trained individuals for grain postharvest areas
is a complex and time-consuming process. It will
require many years before well trained teams of
agronomists, entomologists, economists, engineers,
agricultural chemists, microbiologists,
food technologists, nutritionists and extension
workers are available to provide the coordinated
leadership necessary to improve grain postharvest
systems in developing countries. Foreign
advisors can assist concerned nationals to start
the training program, but in the long run only
competent professionals from the country itself,
who know its environment, history, traditions and
values, will be able to develop and maintain the
programs.
There is a basic need for training programs in
postharvest technology directed toward farmers'
training institutes, extension services, and agricultural
colleges. Graduate-level training in the grain
postharvest technology is necessary for the
establishment of a cadre of professional staff.
Perhaps, the greatest need is the establishment
of in-country training aimed at the lower groups of
staff of government agencies, inspection and pest
control services, extension services, etc.
Many donor agencies are active in providing
training for graduate and senior level staff in
technical institutions in their own countries and in
assisting in-country training programs. Research
and training institutes in both developed and
developing countries must cooperate to devise
better and faster methods of delivering the
required training to the developing countries.
3. Adaptive Research and Development
From the preceding section, it is evident that the
adaptation, development, and transfer of technologies
for the improvement of current grain handling,
drying, storage, and processing practices in the
developing countries are definitely needed.
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