Using clean, airtight jerrycan beans can be stored safely for long periods of time however the jerry should be free from any hazardous materials like fuel or pesticides.
Bruchids bore holes in beans reducing weight, quality and chances of seed germination. However storing in jerrycans kills bean inset pests increasing bean life span for 6 months if seeds are to be used for seed and unlimited period of time if beans are to be used for food. Thus more food through out the year and fetching good prices to farmers.
Storing beans
Dry and sort beans on tarpaulin to lower its moisture content. Fill beans in dry jerrycans. The size of the jerrycans can range from 10 – 20 litre for 10 – 20 kg respectively.
Shake and fill jerrycan space to ensure that beans are tightly parked because if there is space the bruchids will not die.
Cover top with soft tight bags with no holes and seal jerrycans tightly.
Label jerrycan with the date of sealing and intended bean use since beans for seeds are only stored for 6 months however do not open the jerrycans for a month in order to kill bruchids.
Never open jerrycan until beans are needed to prevent entry of air that may facilitate hatching process of bruchid eggs.
