What is the primary purpose of storage facilities in agriculture?

What is the primary purpose of storage facilities in agriculture?

  1. Providing shelter for farm animals
  2. Storing and preserving harvested crops ✓
  3. Housing agricultural machinery and equipment
  4. Offering a workspace for farm laborers

Explanation

Storage facilities preserve harvested crops until consumption or sale. They protect produce from moisture, pests, temperature extremes, and spoilage.

Types: silos (grains), cold stores (perishables), cribs (maize), warehouses (various). Proper storage reduces the 30-40% post-harvest losses common in Africa.

Storage allows farmers to wait for better prices rather than selling immediately at harvest when supply is high and prices low.