Both hermetic technology and CO2 fumigation use elevated levels of CO2 to exterminate pests without the use of chemicals, making them the best storage option available for the organic industry.

◊ By Praveen Gupta

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Access to food is vital in achieving food security. However, as processing plays a role in the outcome of the food we consume, it is essential to ensure safety and quality throughout the supply chain.

“Organic” refers to the standards that promote the use of natural methods and substances from farming to processing. This practice bars using synthetic chemicals and organisms, often resulting in more beneficial nutrients and fewer pesticide residues.

However, post-harvest preservation of organic commodities can be challenging, especially with regards to insect infestations. Many farmers and producers often address this issue with synthetic pesticides and fumigation. But this option is not viable for organic commodities since they must be devoid of chemicals.

What is Modified Atmosphere?

Modified atmosphere is a treatment involving altering gas concentrations within an environment, often raising carbon dioxide while reducing oxygen levels.

As per a publication on Stored Product Protection, this atmospheric manipulation has been a topic of extensive research for over 30 years. Modified atmospheres also offer a chemical-free alternative over conventionally used chemical fumigants for controlling infestations, preventing mold growth, and maintaining quality over long periods.

One example of this is hermetic technology. It secures dry agricultural commodities such as grains, using its sealed air- and moisture-tight structure to generate a modified atmosphere from the respiration of the insects and other organisms within the commodities. This environment increases carbon dioxide and depletes oxygen over time.

Another practice is carbon dioxide (CO2) fumigation (also known as controlled atmosphere). This treatment uses high concentrations of CO2 under altered pressure and essentially aims to suffocate pests embedded within the commodities. Furthermore, CO2 fumigation can be well-integrated with the enclosed environment of hermetic technology, exterminating infestations faster while leaving no residue and hazards.

Benefits of Post-Harvest Processing

Modified atmospheres, such as in hermetic storage can function without energy and effectively exterminate pests regardless of the life stage without synthetic pesticides — reducing risks and offering a more sustainable alternative, ideal for organic products and commodities.

Per an analysis in the Journal of Pest Science, hermetic technology is a viable and cost-effective alternative to phosphine fumigation. The study discovered that hermetic storage is more effective in reducing grain damage, weight loss, and insect population after 12 months of storage.

In addition, the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine, and Storage (DPPQS) of the Government of India has now approved Modified Atmosphere Treatment (MAT) and CO2 Fumigation for pre-shipment and quarantine purposes under NSPM-25, complying with the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures (ISPMs) approved by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

As methyl bromide fumigation is not viable for organic commodities, many countries have also banned its use for pre-shipment fumigation as per the Montreal Protocol. Thus, the treatment, which includes the Cocoon Method, has been explored as an effective alternative against storage pests, including the grain-ravaging Khapra Beetle in all its life stages.

The Cocoon™ is a hermetic storage unit capable of guarding bagged commodities against pests and rodent attacks. This storage solution allows easy monitoring of internal oxygen and relative humidity levels during operation and ease of CO2 fumigation, with the inclusion of inlet ports in its Gas Hermetic Fumigation (GHS) variant.

For commodities in Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBC) or Big Bags, the Cocoon Cargo™ is a specialised Cocoon for easy bulk handling. Equipped with a CO2 inlet and air outlet port, this solution creates a gas-tight chamber, ideal for fumigation before or after transport.

With its time-tested effectiveness, hermetic technology is a valuable addition to post-harvest processing. This agricultural innovation offers a viable and sustainable storage and treatment alternative for various commodities, especially organic products.

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The author is Country Manager – South Asia & Middle East, GrainPro India Post Harvest Technology Pvt Ltd.