Best Farming Practices

Moisture content:  8%-10% is the ideal moisture content to store seed. Shallow moisture content can negatively influence germination and at 0% moisture germination does not occur at all.

Temperature: Seed that is stored until the next season must be stored in a cool place where correct moisture content can be maintained. Storage places must not be too moist or damp.

Storage places should be well sealed to keep rodents out and to ensure that fumigation of insects will be effective.

Inspect the seed regularly to ensure that there are no insects like weevils etc. Stack seed onto pallets so that it will be easy to inspect.

Follow all safety measures about the fumigation of insects and placing bait for rodents.

If the seed has been treated with insecticides before planting, and then stored for a long time, it may influence germination. You should therefore only treat the seed that will be planted in the coming season. Treated seeds that are stored until the next season must be tested for germination before planting.