Guidelines for post-harvest handling of maize

– Harvest maize when it is properly dry. That is, only when the stalks and collar sheath have turned brown and the cobs are hanging downwards. At this stage, the moisture content will be between 17-20%. – During harvesting, use clean and dry harvesting tools and equipment such as carts, wheel barrows, bags and baskets. […]

– Harvest maize when it is properly dry. That is, only when the stalks and collar sheath have turned brown and the cobs are hanging downwards. At this stage, the moisture content will be between 17-20%.

– During harvesting, use clean and dry harvesting tools and equipment such as carts, wheel barrows, bags and baskets.

– Prepare clean, dry storage facility for the maize before shelling, for the case of small scale farmers who don’t use modern harvesting equipment.

– Deliver harvested maize immediately to clean and dry equipment for temporary storage before shelling.

Sorting, Shelling, Winnowing and Grading

– Sort out maize cobs infested by insects, discolored grains, moulded or physically damaged from good maize.

– Shell maize using bare hands or proper equipment such as manual hand shellers or motorized shellers.

-Avoid shelling maize through beating with sticks as this method damages the grains.

– Dry grains on a clean concrete slab, or use plastic sheets or tarpaulins.

– Farmers should avoid drying maize on a bare ground as this will contaminate the grains with soils or dirt and further allow fungal or mould growth.

-Dry maize under open sunshine, maize cribs or any appropriate drying facility up to a moisture content of 13-14%.