Buyers reject groundnut lots for aflatoxin. What causes it and how do I keep my groundnut free of aflatoxin in Saurashtra?
How do I prevent aflatoxin contamination in my groundnut (groundnut)?
JJagdish Kakadiya6mo ago · 278 views
5 Answers
🌾Farmer.in Krishi TeamExpert ✓6mo ago
Aflatoxin is a toxin produced by Aspergillus mould that grows on pods stressed in the field or kept damp after harvest, and it is a serious rejection reason for export and oil quality, so prevention is all about avoiding mould. In the field, avoid end of season drought stress and damage to pods, lift the crop on time, and avoid leaving pods in contact with wet soil. After harvest, dry pods quickly and fully to a safe low moisture, avoid heaping wet pods, and store in clean dry conditions with good aeration, not in damp warehouses. Discard shrivelled, damaged, and discoloured kernels since these carry the most risk. Proper drying and dry storage are the two biggest levers. For safe moisture targets and any testing facility, check with your local KVK or the groundnut research centre.
HHasmukh Ramani6mo ago
The mistake that cost me a rejection once was heaping freshly dug pods that were still damp, and they heated up and went mouldy in the middle. Now I spread the pods out and dry them quickly before heaping. Never pile wet pods, that is where the trouble starts.
VVallabh Bhut6mo ago
End of season drought stress in the dryland made my pods more prone to the mould. The years I could give a life saving irrigation late in the crop, the kernels were sounder and passed quality. Lifting the crop on time so the pods are not sitting in wet soil also helped a lot.
NNitin Vaghasiya5mo ago
Sorting out the shrivelled, shrunken and discoloured kernels before storage and sale is worth the effort, because those carry the most risk and one bad lot can fail the whole consignment. I also store in a dry, airy place off the ground rather than a damp godown. Confirm the safe moisture target with your KVK before bagging.
DDilip Sojitra5mo ago
Drying on a clean raised surface or a tarpaulin rather than directly on the bare ground helped me, because the pods picking up soil moisture and dirt from the ground was part of my mould problem. I also turn the pods while they dry so they dry evenly right through. Off the ground and turned regularly dries them faster and cleaner.