When Denis Kimuli harvested his first maize crop from five acres of land, he was full of excitement. The yields were impressive. But soon, his joy turned into disappointment, the market price for maize was frustratingly low.
Like many first-time farmers, he realised the best option might be to store the maize and wait for prices to improve. However, he had no idea how to go about it.
“I am thinking of storing it, but I don’t know how long I can keep the maize and still ensure it remains in good condition,” Kimuli said.
Monica Barigye, a commercial maize farmer in Mubende, says that proper post-harvest handling is the key to storing dry maize safely.
“First, the maize must be dried thoroughly. The moisture content should be reduced to at least 13% before storage,” she advises.
“You can use a moisture meter or bite into the grain. If it cracks sharply, it’s ready.”
Barigye explains the importance of using proper storage facilities.
She recommends using clean, well-ventilated granaries, silos, or even heavy-duty sacks that are raised off the ground to prevent dampness.
“Avoid storing maize directly on concrete floors, it absorbs moisture and can lead to mould growth,” she warns.
Geoffrey Natigo, another maize farmer, has experience storing maize for up to eight months.
“I use hermetic bags,” he says.
“They are airtight and prevent pests from entering. I also fumigate before sealing the bags to kill any weevils or insects.”
Natigo says farmers should inspect their stores regularly.
“Even when the maize is dry and sealed, don’t forget about it. Check for holes in sacks, signs of pests, or humidity.”
Both farmers agree that storage pays off. During harvest, maize can sell as low as sh300 per kilogramme, but after three to five months, prices often rise to sh,1000 or more.
