Post-Harvest Storage Tips That Saved 20% Loss in 2024

Harvesting a good crop is only half the battle—keeping it safe until sale is where many farmers lose out. In 2024, Kurdish farmers and cooperatives turned their attention to post-harvest handling, and the results were remarkable. On average, communities implementing better storage practices reported up to 20% less crop loss—translating directly to income and food security gains.

This article shares the practical strategies that made the biggest difference on the ground.

1. Ventilation Makes the Difference: Solar-Powered Storage Units

In regions like Chamchamal and Garmiyan, where summer temperatures soar, storage spaces can become ovens. The solution?

• Solar-powered ventilators were installed in 14 community storage units
• These systems kept humidity below 65%, preventing mold growth
• Farmers extended the safe storage period of wheat, corn, and barley by up to 2 months

This affordable, low-maintenance tech was a game-changer, especially for cooperatives without access to cold storage.

2. Smarter Grain Bagging & Stacking

Improper stacking and exposure to pests caused significant losses in past years. In 2024, farmers who applied better techniques saw measurable improvements:

• Switched from jute sacks to double-layered polyethylene bags
• Implemented elevated wooden pallets to prevent ground moisture damage
• Adopted cross-stacking techniques to allow airflow between bags

These low-tech upgrades reduced spoilage, especially in temporary storage structures and roadside facilities.

3. Cold Storage Collaboration: The Power of Shared Resources

In partnership with Freshly Company and several local councils, new community-based cold storage centers were introduced:

• Located in rural hubs like Ranya, Khanaqin, and Penjwen
• Farmers rented space cooperatively, storing perishables like potatoes, tomatoes, and dairy
• First-season results: up to 30% reduction in spoilage, especially during peak summer months

This model showed that pooling resources can make advanced storage affordable and scalable—even for smallholder farmers.

4. Training & Awareness: The Hidden Multiplier

None of these improvements would have worked without one thing: knowledge transfer. Throughout the year:

• Freshly’s extension team conducted 25+ training workshops across Kurdistan
• Posters and checklists on storage best practices were distributed in local markets
• WhatsApp groups connected farmers to experts for quick answers to problems like mold, weevils, or rat infestations

As a result, more than 800 farmers reported changing at least one storage practice—and most said they’d never go back.

The Results

Average post-harvest loss dropped from 28% in 2023 to 21% in 2024 in surveyed districts. That 7% might sound small—but across a 500-ton wheat harvest, it means 35 extra tons saved. For many farmers, it was the difference between breaking even and turning a profit.

Key Insight:

Storage isn’t just an afterthought—it’s an investment.
By focusing on simple but effective post-harvest practices, farmers in Kurdistan are not only reducing waste but increasing income, protecting food supply, and building resilience in the face of climate unpredictability.