Dan Walusimbi, a maize and groundnut farmer in Kapeeka, has long battled a silent but devastating enemy, rodents. Despite successfully harvesting crops from his five-acre farm, a significant portion of his produce is lost in storage.
“I used to lose up to 30% of my grains every season to rats and mice, they would chew through the sacks, scatter the grains, and contaminate the rest,” Walusimbi says.
This is a common problem for many farmers across the country, poor post-harvest handling and improper storage are the main reasons rodents invade stores.
Elemia Male, a welder with Kutegeragana metal fabricators and designers says metal silos are one of the most effective ways to keep grains safe.
Male advises farmers to invest in rodent-proof storage.
“Use galvanized iron silos that are elevated and tightly sealed,” he says.
“Make sure the grains are dry before loading, and always maintain cleanliness around the store. Proper use and upkeep will protect your harvest for a long time,” he adds.
Professor Kant Kanyarusoke, the director of Renewable Energy for Food and Water Engineering Farm Ltd, also advocates for the use of metallic silos.
He says they are ideal for both smallholder and large-scale farmers.
“They are a reliable, chemical-free way of protecting grains. You don’t need pesticides, which can harm humans and the environment,” he says.
Kanyarusoke adds that rodent control should start from the structure of the store itself.
“Raise the floor, seal all holes, and maintain cleanliness. Rodents thrive in dirt and clutter, so sanitation is key.”
Experts urge farmers to also avoid storing grains directly on the ground or in woven bags, which rodents can easily tear through. Instead, grains should be dried properly, treated where necessary, and stored in rodent-proof containers or facilities.
Advantages of silos and how to load dry grains
Metallic silos offer farmers a reliable and long-lasting solution for protecting grains from rodents and other pests.
These silos are airtight, preventing rodents from entering and keeping the grains dry and safe. One major advantage is that silos preserve grain quality for longer periods without using harmful chemicals.
They are also easy to manage and clean. When loading, only properly dried grains should be stored to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause mold or spoilage.
Elevating the silo and sealing all openings ensures maximum protection. With silos, farmers reduce post-harvest losses and improve food security and income stability.
