PICS bags. Avoid Post-harvest losses today.

ICS stands for Purdue Improved Crop Storage. These are triple-layered, hermetic storage bags developed by Purdue University to help smallholder farmers store their grain without using any chemicals

Dear farmer, you worked hard throughout the season—planted on time, weeded, and harvested well. But what happens after harvest? Many farmers in Uganda lose up to 30–40% of their grain during storage due to weevils, rats, mold, and moisture.

This is not just lost food—it’s lost income, lost investment, and lost peace of mind.

But now, there’s a simple and affordable way to stop these losses: PICS bags.

What Are PICS Bags?

PICS stands for Purdue Improved Crop Storage. These are triple-layered, hermetic storage bags developed by Purdue University to help smallholder farmers store their grain without using any chemicals.

Each PICS bag has:

  • Two inner liners made of special plastic that keep out oxygen
  • One outer woven layer that protects the inner liners from damage

When you store properly dried grain in a PICS bag and seal it tightly, all insects inside will die due to lack of oxygen. No chemicals. No insects. No losses.

Why Use PICS Bags?

  1. Protects Against Insects and Pests
    PICS bags kill insects like weevils, larger grain borers, and bruchids by suffocation. They cannot survive inside the sealed environment.
  2. No Chemicals Needed
    PICS bags provide chemical-free storage. This means no health risks to you or your customers, and no worries about chemical residues in your food.
  3. Preserves Quality and Weight
    Grain stored in PICS bags maintains its quality, taste, and weight for over 6–12 months. That means no shrinkage or damaged kernels.
  4. Saves Money on Storage Chemicals and Frequent Drying
    You no longer need to buy storage pesticides every season. Once sealed, a PICS bag maintains a pest-free environment.
  5. Market Advantage
    With better storage, you can sell your produce later when prices are higher, instead of being forced to sell immediately after harvest when prices are low.
  6. Durable and Reusable
    Each PICS bag can be reused for 3–4 seasons if handled carefully, making it very cost-effective over time.

What Can You Store in PICS Bags?

PICS bags are ideal for storing:

  • Maize
  • Beans
  • Cowpeas
  • Sorghum
  • Millet
  • Rice
  • Groundnuts
  • Sunflower seed
  • Coffee (dry cherry or parchment)
  • Cocoa beans

How to Use a PICS Bag

  1. Dry the Grain Properly
    Before storage, ensure the grain is properly dried to the recommended moisture level (usually 12–13%). Wet grain can cause mold or spoilage even in a sealed bag.
  2. Sort and Clean
    Remove stones, broken grain, and foreign matter.
  3. Fill and Seal
    Put the grain in the bag. Press out the air, tightly seal the two inner liners one after the other, then seal the outer bag. Store it off the ground in a cool, dry place.
  4. Do Not Open Regularly
    Only open the bag when you’re ready to sell or use the grain. Opening and resealing frequently allows oxygen in and reduces effectiveness.

Sizes and Pricing

PICS bags are available in 50kg and 100kg sizes, depending on your storage needs. Prices are affordable and vary slightly by location.

Where to Buy PICS Bags

PICS bags are available at:

  • Certified agro-input shops near you
  • Farmer cooperatives and SACCO stores
  • NGOs and development projects supporting post-harvest handling
  • [Insert shop name or Agape Innovations if applicable]

For orders and more information, call or WhatsApp: [Insert contact number]

Real Farmer Testimonials

“I used to lose half my beans to insects. Since I started using PICS bags, I store my harvest safely for 8 months and sell when the price is good. I make more money now.” – Samuel, Bean Farmer, Iganga

“PICS bags helped me store my maize without chemicals. Buyers trust my produce more.” – Alice, Maize Farmer, Kiryandongo

Special Offer

Buy 5 or more bags and get a free guide on drying and storing grain the right way. Bulk discounts available for farmer groups and cooperatives.

Stop Losing What You Worked Hard For

Post-harvest loss is one of the biggest silent enemies of smallholder farmers in Uganda. But with a simple, affordable PICS bag, you can protect your grain, earn more, and feed your family year-round.

Act now. Store better. Sell smarter.

Choose PICS bags—your harvest’s best insurance.

Leave a Reply