Introduction

The Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bags are a simple and cost-effective way of storing grain and seed without using chemicals to control insect pests. It were designed to reduce grain storage losses on smallholder farms.  The PICS  technology is helping to improve food security and increase income of millions of smallholder farmers in ten countries of West and Central Africa and expended In several countries of Asia including Nepal, India and Afghanistan.
  The PICS are triple-bagging technology which consists of two, high-density polyethylene liners fitted inside a third woven polypropylene bag. PICS bags used by small scale farmers and filled with grain have conventionally been sealed-using the twist-tie method. These bags are a great option for farmers who see major losses in their crops each year due to insect pests. The bags are low- cost, eliminate insecticide use, and enable farmers to store their grain after harvest, which allows them to sell their crops at peak times, instead of being forced to sell grain when the price is at the low point of the year. PICS technology also ensures farmers will have a supply of clean grain for consumption or sale for many months after harvest.

 Benefits of PICS bags:


1)      Increase income
2)      Improve food security
3)      Maintain food quality
4)      Maintain seed quality 

Commodities that can be stored in PICS bags:


a)      Pulses : Common beans, green beans, cowpea, lentils, pigeon pea, black gram, soybean and others.
b)    Cereals: maize ,wheat, millet, sorghum, rice and others

Materials used in PICS bags

 Hermetic triple layer bags
1)      Exterior woven bag polypropylene or nylon.
2)      Middle bag polyethylene. It is high density polyethylene made up of 80 microns.
3)      Inner bag polyethylene


How it’s works?

 When the bag is filled with grain and sealed, metabolic activities of living organisms inside the bag deplete the available oxygen, and the oxygen reaches low levels (e.g., less than 5% by volume) within a few days . The low oxygen levels suppress the development, reproduction, and the survival of insects and pathogens.  Sitophilus zeamais is one of the most important cosmopolitan pest of stored maize.



How do I use PICS bags:

Step 1: Grains must be dry  <12%

Step 2: Check bags and filed with small amount of grains.
Step 3: Fills bag with dry grain
Step 4: Remove air from bag twist shut and tie


Lifespan: The median life of PICS bag is 3 years

Points to be remember while using PICS bags:

1)      Store PICS bags away from sunlight or extreme heat. Exposing bags to sunlight for periods of time my damage the woven bags and reduce its durability.
2)      Store PICS bags on an elevated platform and away from walls to facilitate inspection and minimize rodent attacks.
3)      Inspect PICS bags at least once a month.
       4)     Keep PICS bags sealed at all times during grain storage. If grain must be removed for home use sale ensure that excess air is pressed out and the bag is resealed.

PICS achievement since 2007:

1)      29 countries in Asia and Africa
2)      20 local companies licensed in Africa and Asia
3)      56,000 villages reached by training activities
       4)     5 million framers trained to use PICS bags