By KT Reporter
Farmers in Pader District have been urged to improve the way they harvest and store their crops to prevent aflatoxin contamination. Agricultural experts warn that poor handling practices, such as drying crops on the bare ground, delaying harvests, and improper storage, increase the chance of fungi growing on grains.
These fungi produce aflatoxins, which are harmful to human health and can cause serious illnesses, such as liver cancer, according to health experts. Andrew Oketayot, an agricultural officer in Pader District, explained that aflatoxins mainly affect grains like maize, sorghum, and millet when they are not dried and stored properly.
He noted that some farmers leave their crops in the garden for too long after drying, making them vulnerable to pests and fungal infections. “Harvesting should be done on time to keep the crops nutritious and safe for both storage and the market,” he advised.
Oketayot also discouraged farmers from drying their crops on bare ground, stating that this exposes them to dirt and moisture. Instead, he recommended using raised drying platforms or cemented yards to ensure cleanliness.
For storage, Oketayot suggested that farmers use moisture meters to check dryness, but for those without one, biting a grain and listening for a cracking sound is a simple way to test if it is dry enough. He further advised farmers to keep their storage areas clean and use airtight (hermetic) bags to prevent pests and moisture from damaging their harvest.
Dr. Denis Ocaya, the in-charge of Pajule Health Center IV, stressed that aflatoxins pose a serious health risk. He explained that fungi thrive in warm and damp storage conditions, and consuming contaminated food over time can lead to liver cancer and other health problems.
“The more aflatoxins a person eats, the higher the risk of serious illness,” he warned. He also urged farmers to be cautious with pesticides when growing crops, as unsafe chemical use can also affect food quality and health.
Some farmers in Pader use traditional methods to protect their crops, though experts say these methods may not be fully effective. Luro Oling, a farmer from Puranga Sub-county, said he mixes beans and peas with red pepper to keep pests away. Meanwhile, Beatrice Acan, a farmer from Acano in Ogom Sub-county, stated that she cleans and sun-dries her rice properly before storing it in bags for later use or sale.
However, agricultural experts caution that while red pepper may help repel insects, it does not prevent aflatoxin contamination. They recommend better practices, such as drying grains to a moisture level below 13%, storing them in a dry, well-ventilated area, and using hermetic storage bags or silos.
They also suggest regular checks for mold and using aflatoxin binders to help keep food safe. Andrew Olum, the farm manager at Archbishop Flynn Secondary School in Pader, noted that how farmers handle their harvest depends on the type of crop, how long they plan to store it, and the resources they have. He said that at their farm, they use modern storage methods like maize grips to ensure food safety and maintain hygiene to prevent pest damage.
Experts said farmers can protect their crops, reduce losses, secure better market prices, and most importantly, ensure that the food they produce is safe to eat, as long as pre-harvest, harvest, and post-harvest practices are followed correctly-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
