Scientific perspectives on sustainable preservation of cereals in traditional silos

India’s villages depend heavily on agriculture, with most rural households relying on the cultivation of essential grains such as rice, wheat and maize for their livelihood and food security. Although government initiatives and the Food Corporation of India have helped increase crop production to meet the needs of the growing population, the country still struggles with major post-harvest storage challenges. Traditional mud silos, or Kothis, are widely used because they are inexpensive, easy to construct and based on locally available materials, but they often fail to protect grains effectively over long periods. Issues such as moisture buildup, fungal growth, insect infestation and gradual structural deterioration lead to considerable grain losses, especially for small and marginal farmers who depend on stored produce to sustain their families and income. This review highlights the need to address these shortcomings and promote improved, sustainable storage solutions that leverage indigenous technical knowledge (ITK). By adopting eco-friendly fabrication practices, refining indigenous storage methods and using natural, locally sourced materials, farmers can achieve better preservation outcomes without relying on costly synthetic silos or chemical treatments that may pose environmental and health risks. Encouraging such sustainable, community-based approaches can help ensure safe, long-term grain storage, strengthen rural livelihoods, support national food security and maintain ecological balance in nature.