In one flea market here, we chanced upon a bargain of rice being sold by the sack. When we computed on a per kilo costing, the bargain is cheaper by at least 20% from the prevailing market price. I was about to buy when my wife cautioned me about stocking rice. Although our house is clean, sometimes we see a mouse or a cockroach. It can wreak havoc on the rice when neglected. Now my question is how to keep the stock of rice safe from such pests. And how about the mold that sometimes attack the rice?
Thats quite a bargain. Here in East Africa, the easiest way to get a bargain is to in to the farmgate or wholesale vendors. There is also a new variety of rice called Nerica rice which is gaining popularity as it can be grown on dryland farms without irrigation. Problems associated with storage can be ameliorated by mixing the rice with wood ash which acts as a deterrent against insect pests as well as a cheap preservative.
Though you're getting a good deal, but it is indeed difficult to keep a large stock of food grain intact for a long time. To keep in good condition, you can occasionally put the rice under the sun which is one of the most effective way to keep the pests at bay, barring mice. By shifting the rice to a container from the sack can be a good way to get rid of mice. Saying so, you need to see whether these efforts are worth the deal you're getting.
I have more than 50 kgs of rice at the moment and have previously stocked upto 100 kgs too. Luckily I don't have pests in the house but I don't get suprised to see a rat sneaking in once a year from the neighbourhood. Ideal will be adding ash, garlic cloves or cloves in the rice sack/container. If you a huge load of rice to store better not to buy the old rice.
Rice dispenser is my best bet for this case. Not only it does keep your rice dry and clean, it also prevent bugs from breeding on it.
