Agriculture Silos & Storage Systems Market

Most farmers in developing countries focus on maximizing farm outputs to meet food demands. This results in the production of surplus farm produce that needs to be stored efficiently and sold over a longer period. Grain silos are essential for packaging and storing this produce, as they are large-scale commercial structures used for permanent grain storage. In addition to storage, silos also serve other post-harvest management functions, such as acting as grain collection and distribution centers. Consequently, farmers in North America and Europe are investing in establishing silos. This trend increasingly improves grain storage, allowing it to be kept longer under proper conditions, regardless of external weather. Governments and international agencies are recognizing the critical role of modern storage solutions in ensuring food security. Many policy initiatives and infrastructure projects have been launched to promote the construction of silos and grain storage systems.

Smallholder farmers make up most of the farming population worldwide. They often lack the resources and facilities needed to produce high yields. These farmers are increasingly unaware of how important proper storage and maintenance of high-quality grains are. Small-scale farmers usually live in rural areas and have limited resources to build silos for storing their harvests. According to Prairies Partners, the cost to set up a steel grain silo system with a capacity of 5000 to 10,000 tons can range from USD 500,000 to USD 2 million, depending on customization, location, and extra equipment.

Using grain silos instead of warehouses to store grains offers several advantages, especially regarding land use. Silos can be designed to fit available land areas and come in both vertical and horizontal forms to meet farmers' needs. Maintaining optimal storage conditions is easier by controlling temperature, which, if not managed properly in long-term storage, can lead to economic losses. Many silos are now equipped with machinery that facilitates post-harvest tasks on farms, such as threshing, cleaning, and disinfecting. With proper maintenance, grains stored in silos can last for decades. Additionally, silos allow storing different grains in separate compartments to preserve each one effectively.

Sealed silos are loaded for the purpose of controlling pest infestations or the maintenance and regulation of temperature conditions. Operators of silos generally face a respiratory health hazard due to grain dust, which causes dust-induced breathing issues. Silos help the US meet the global demand for food, feed, and ethanol-based fuel. However, the increase in silo-based accidents and risks in various countries leads to significant challenges for the market’s growth. The need to climb silos to get inside, check levels, or close and seal lids poses risks of falling and serious injuries. Entering silos presents risks of suffocation from insufficient oxygen, exposure to harmful gases, explosive vapors, and fumigants like phosphine gas. There is a risk assessment to be undertaken before anyone works inside silo or other confined spaces, which to some extent, shields the employees from potential risks.