Abstract

Smart detection and scientific disinfestation technologies play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and quality of food grains, protecting them from pests, pathogens, and contaminants. These technologies leverage advancements in science and technology to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability of food grain protection, benefiting farmers, consumers, and the environment. One of the key challenges in food grain protection is the early detection of pests and pathogens. Smart detection technologies utilize sensors, like optical, acoustic and thermal, to detect signs of infestation or contamination in food grains. By detecting these issues early, farmers can take timely action to prevent further damage and ensure the quality of their harvest. Smart detection technology like electronic noses to detect odors emitted by pests or pathogens in food grains, acoustically to detect the feeding of insects as internal borers, hyperspectral imaging uses advanced imaging techniques to detect subtle changes in the color and texture of food grains, variation in temperature profiling of the infested and uninfested grains are all getting known slowly. Likewise, scientific disinfestation technologies are used to eliminate pests from food grains without compromising their quality. Technologies like physical methods (heat treatment and irradiation), as well as chemical methods (fumigation) can reduce pest load thus gives quality food. Overall, these technologies are essential for protecting food grains from pests, pathogens, and contaminants. By leveraging these technologies, farmers can ensure the safety and quality of their harvests, reduce the use of chemical pesticides, and protect the environment and human health.