ICAR-CIAE-Chitosan Coated Jute Bags for Storage of selected food grains

Technology details:

Chitosan, a naturally derived and biodegradable material, has emerged as a game-changer in the food packaging industry, specifically for grain storage. Recognized by the US FDA as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) in 2005, Chitosan offers a proven, environmentally friendly solution that significantly extends the shelf life and safety of food grains. Chitosan can be applied as a coating on the surface of polythene bags, jute, or cotton fabrics to improve their barrier properties against water vapor and air.

Key Benefits of Chitosan-Coated Packaging for Food Grains:

1. Enhanced Preservation: Chitosan-coated bags provide an excellent barrier to water vapor and air, which is essential for preserving the quality of stored grains. This results in fresher grains with minimal degradation over time.
2. Mold Inhibition & Insect Repellency: These bags not only prevent mold growth but also act as insect repellents, helping protect grains from pests, which are a common source of post-harvest losses. The developed technology of coating packaging material with Chitosan, especially when applied to Jute bags with a 2% Chitosan coating, has proven to be particularly effective against infestation by storage insects like the lesser grain borer and rice weevil. This treatment helps reduce losses in grains such as sorghum and pearl millet, which are prone to such infestations.
3. Sustainability & Eco-Friendly: As a biodegradable material, Chitosan offers an eco-conscious alternative to plastic packaging. This contributes to sustainability efforts within the food industry by reducing plastic waste and its long-term environmental impact.
4. Cost-Effective & Efficient: Chitosan-coated packaging reduces spoilage and waste, helping farmers, food suppliers, and retailers cut costs. This leads to better product quality and more efficient distribution, benefiting the entire supply chain.

Applications Across the Food Grains Industry:

1. Wholesale & Retail: Chitosan-coated bags, often available in 5kg sizes, provide an ideal solution for businesses in the wholesale and retail sectors. These bags improve food grain preservation, minimize storage-related losses and increase shelf life, making them highly cost-effective for large-scale operations.
2. Government Agencies & Food Security: Public sector companies, such as the Food Corporation of India (FCI), which oversee the storage and distribution of grains at the national level, can greatly benefit from the use of Chitosan-coated packaging. By improving storage conditions, this technology helps ensure long-term food security and reduces the risk of grain spoilage, which is crucial in countries with large grain storage programs.