Lecture- 6: CLASS VIII : SCIENCE: CHAPTER- 1 : STORAGE

VIII-SCIENCE

Prepared By Subhankar Karmakar

7. STORAGE OF FOOD GRAINS

The fresh food grains (like wheat) obtained by the harvesting of crops contain more moisture than required for their safe storage. So, the food grains (like wheat) obtained by harvesting the crops are dried in the sunshine before storing, to reduce their moisture. It is necessary to reduce the moisture content of grains before storing to prevent their spoilage during storage.

 This is because the higher moisture content in food grains promotes the growth of fungus and mould on the stored grains which damages them (and makes them lose their germination capacity). 

The farmers store the dried food grains at home in metal bins (metal drums) and jute bags (called gunny bags). Dried neem leaves are used for storing food grains at home. For example, when wheat is stored at home in iron drums, then some dried been leaves are put on it. Dry been leaves protect the stored food grains from pests such as insects and micro-organisms. 

The large scale storage of food grains ( like wheat and rice) is done in two ways:

(a) in gunny bags, and

(b) in grain silos ( bulk storage of food grains)

FOOD FROM ANIMALS:

The food provided by animals consists of Milk, Eggs and Meat.

The animals which provide us food are mainly of two types:

(a) Milk yielding animals,

(b) Meat and Egg yielding animals.

Examples of milk yielding animals:

Cow, Buffalo and Goat

Examples of meat and egg yielding animals are: Goat, Sheep, Fish and Poultry.

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY:

The branch of agriculture which deals with the feeding, shelter, health and breeding of domestic animals is called animal husbandry.

The various practices necessary for raising animals for food and other purposes (or the elements of animal husbandry) are :

1. Proper feeding of animals,

2. Proper shelter for animals,

3. Prevention and cure of animal diseases, and

4. Proper breeding of animals.

FISH AS FOOD:

Fish is an important source of animal food. Many people living in the coastal areas (sea-side areas) consume fish as a major part of their diet. Fish is rich in proteins. It is a highly nutritious and easily digestible food. Fish liver oil is rich in vitamin A and vitamin D. For example, Cod liver oil (or Cod fish liver oil) is rich in vitamin A and vitamin D.