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- Farmers are advised to harvest maize as soon as it is dry, so it is not attacked by weevils and other pests.
- Keep the grain as clean as possible. Dry maize on a concrete floor or use a tarpaulin to reduce chances of contamination. You can also dry on concrete or canvas, but not on bare soil
- Make sure the drying equipment is clean and disinfected.
- Organize enough labour to reap and carry the cobs to the drying place.
- After harvesting, farmers should clean all the materials used in the process of harvesting and store them properly, away from sources of contamination and insect-breeding places.
- If the materials are not cleaned properly, they can easily contaminate clean grains or become a source of pest infestation. At times, pest infeststion starts from the field.
- After harvesting, the greatest enemy of grain is moisture. Wet grain attracts insects and mould. Therefore, the grain must be dried as soon as possible after harvesting.
