Hermetic technology has long been depended upon because of its simplicity and reliability. Throughout history, this technology has been used in many industries – particularly extensively in agriculture. But what exactly is hermetic technology, and how does it work?

This beginner’s guide to hermetic technology will discuss its basic principles, history, and modern applications. Additionally, real-life examples of its benefits to smallholder farmers and businesses will be cited while showing the importance and effectiveness of hermetic technology in helping resolve food insecurity as a global issue.

THE BASICS

The basis of hermetic technology starts with creating a controlled atmosphere within an air-tight and moisture-tight environment. This provides protection against external factors while preserving the quality internally.

In the case of agricultural applications, hermetic technology is an ideal solution against pest infestation, mold growth, and quality degradation.

When stored commodities are infested with insects, carbon dioxide inside the hermetic container naturally increases while oxygen decreases. This eventually suffocates and kills off insects in all life stages – from eggs to adults

At the same time, the decreased oxygen level inside a hermetic container also inhibits bacterial and fungal or mold growth. Food needs to remain free of mold growth since toxic substances, such aflatoxin, found in mold can lead to serious health issues when ingested. According to WHO, consuming food with high levels of such substances can damage the liver leading to cancer or organ failure, birth defects, and toxicity to the immune system. These substances are known to have ill effects on both humans and livestock.

Hermetic storage utilizes a controlled atmosphere so effectively that the quality of its contents remains in the same state, even during extended storage periods. However, hermetic technology is only applicable to dried commodities. If commodities with high moisture content, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, are placed within a hermetic container, mold will develop and damage will occur.

HISTORY OF HERMETIC TECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURE

Hermetic technology is not a new concept. In fact, it was first used during the pre-neolithic and neolithic periods when prehistoric societies began to transition from being nomadic to living in permanent settlements. As these simple settlements flourished into more complex civilizations, agriculture was born. With it, the need for a secure storage system technique arose. Thus, hermetic storage became the norm in the form of underground storage pits.

Researchers in Egypt found 30-100 cm deep underground pits that were lined with straw or bamboo basket weavings. It is thought that grains were then put into the pits and covered with a layer of sand. Similar pits have been found all over the world, such as in the Middle East as well as Europe.

Underground Pit

When iron tools were invented, these hermetic underground pits became more varied in depth and shape. Some were found to be bottle-shaped while others were in the shape of a gourd or a pitcher. Despite this range across different continents, experts believe that these hermetic storage pits were effective in keeping food safe from outside elements, insects, and other scavenging animals.

MODERN APPLICATIONS

As technology developed to improve the daily lives of people, so did hermetic technology and its applications to modern agriculture. So, here are some of its most practical and helpful uses:

GRAINPRO HERMETIC TECHNOLOGY AROUND THE WORLD

The basis of hermetic technology starts with creating a controlled atmosphere within an air-tight and moisture-tight environment. This provides protection against external factors while preserving the quality internally.

HERMETIC TECHNOLOGY IN A NUTSHELL

To sum up, hermetic technology is a reliable and time-tested means of securing dry agricultural commodities. In a world with pressing issues like food insecurity, climate change, and conflict, it’s important to ensure that no food is wasted or lost due to preventable erratic factors, poor handling, and mismanagement.

A shift towards sustainable, cost-effective, and climate-smart agricultural solutions, such as hermetic storage, is pivotal in achieving food security. More importantly, as the backbone of agriculture, smallholder farmers must be given more support to help them grow, harvest, and process healthy, wholesome food. As it allows the safe and long-term preservation of dry agricultural commodities, hermetic storage boosts profitability by giving our smallholder farmers a chance to sell during a more favorable season. Through technology, education, and cooperation, smallholder farmers can have the means to prosper and be rewarded for their hard work in making sure that there will be no more hunger in the world.

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