Legume Research - An International Journal
Year : 2000, Volume : 23, Issue : 2
First page : ( 71) Last page : ( 79)
Print ISSN : 0250-5371. Online ISSN : 0976-0571.

Storage of cowpea and its utilization at farmer's level in Bangladesh

Barman S.C.

Agricultural Economics Division, BARI Joyclebpur, Gazipur-1701, Bangladesh

Online published on 29 October, 2012.

Abstract

Indigenous storing containers such as earthen pots, metallic drums and tins, polythene, gunny bags, etc., are being used to store cowpea grains and kept in dwelling room or "gola ghar" at farms level. Study of 50 farms from three areas revealed that an average farmer stored 111.27 kg cowpea grains in 1995 spending a total Tk 368.17 in which 93% shared by labour and 796 shared by material cost. During storage period farmers followed 6–7 times exposure of grains to the sun at 25 to 30 days Interval and 26% farmers used marsh pepper and ashes in storing to prevent insects and no incidence of insects was found in it, However, 22% farmers had incidence of insects who did not use traditional items in storing and their average loss was 0.14 kg of grains. Earthen pots and polythene inside drums were found to be advantageous among three identlfhld incidence of insects and adaptability. In total stored grains 46% sold and 54% used at home. Farmers processed cowpea in indigenous method and prepared dal and curry using 0.53 kg to 0.59 kg cowpea per day In a family of 5–6 members and used dal 9 days and curry 4 days In one month period.

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