In wartime, when traditional elevators become targets for shelling, agrarians of Odesa region are finding alternative ways to store their crops. One such solution is the use of polyethylene sleeves, which allow grain to be stored directly in the fields.

📦 What is up-sleeve storage?
Polyethylene bags are large bags 60 metres long with a capacity of up to 200 tonnes of grain. They are made of durable polyethylene, which provides protection against moisture, pests and UV radiation. Grain is loaded into the sleeve using special equipment, creating an anaerobic environment that naturally preserves the product.

✅ Advantages of the technology
✔️ Mobility: The sleeves can be placed directly in the fields, reducing transport costs.
✔️ Cost-effectiveness: The cost of storage in sleeves is significantly lower compared to building or renting elevators.
✔️ Flexibility: The ability to store both dry and wet grain.
✔️ Security: Reducing the risk of losses due to shelling of permanent storage facilities.

🌾 Agrarian Odesa region
In 2022, farmers in Odesa region received 726 polyethylene sleeves for grain storage, each of which can hold up to 200 tonnes of crop. This became possible thanks to a joint initiative of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy of Ukraine, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), the USAID Harvest Programme and financial support from the governments of Canada, Japan, Australia and the United States. We wrote about it here https://www.facebook.com/agrarnaodesschina/post

💬 Alla Stoyanova emphasises that "during the war, when every kilogram of grain harvested is not only about the economy, but also about the food security of the state, the issue of crop storage comes to the fore. Silos are not a temporary solution, but strategic response to challenges of today. They give farmers the freedom to choose when to sell, protection against losses and confidence in the future. Especially before the start of the harvest, it is extremely important to have guarantees that every grain will be preserved.

🛠 Tips for efficient storage

1. Preparing the site: Choose a flat, dry surface free of sharp objects.
2. Humidity control: The grain must have the optimum moisture content for storage.
3. Protection against pests: Check the sleeves regularly for damage and signs of rodent activity.
4. Temperature monitoring: Monitor the temperature inside the sleeve to prevent grain spoilage," adds Alla Stoyanova.

🔚 The use of polyethylene sleeves for grain storage has become an effective solution for farmers in Odesa region during wartime. This technology ensures crop safety, reduces costs and increases flexibility in logistics. Thanks to the support of international partners and the implementation of innovative solutions, Ukrainian farmers can effectively adapt to new challenges