Development and inner environment analysis of advance and eco-friendly cementitious silo for postharvest grain protection and shelf life extension for medium and small-scale farmers

This research addresses small-scale farmers' challenges in developing countries, focusing on post-harvest losses due to inadequate storage systems. Emphasizing food security amid a projected global population of 9.2 billion by 2050, particularly in developing nations, the study introduces an eco-friendly cementitious silo designed for small-scale farmers. The silo incorporates innovative features, including rubber stoppers, herbal lining, padlocked lids for efficiency and security, and reinforcement with wire mesh and natural fibers for mobility. Temperature and pressure measurements within the vertical silo during laminar filling are explored, considering varying moisture content for grains like wheat, rice, and beans. Results show an upward temperature trend, with beans reaching 49 °C, wheat 42.5 °C, and rice 30.5 °C. The enhanced cementitious silo exhibits a 90% reduction in insect infestation, significant temperature stability, and eliminates grain caking. With flexibility in construction (50–2000 kg), these silos are ideal for storing wheat, rice, beans, maize, millets, and various cereals, offering a sustainable solution for small-scale farmers in developing countries.