Reduction of losses in the process of grain production is the most promising direction for meeting the to meet the needs of the population for food. It was revealed that grain losses are significantly affected by production technologies, the level of which depends on the economic development of countries. Minimal grain losses, about 5%, during post-harvest processing and storage occur with high technologies, which are used mainly in industrial countries. At the same time, grain losses in developing countries amount to about 20%. Under unfavorable conditions, for example, when waiting for wet grain to be processed on threshing floors, losses can reach 30–50%. The aim of the research is to analyze the conceptual technological provisions for minimizing losses and maintaining grain quality during its post-harvest processing and storage. The main research method included retrospective and system analysis of technological processes of post-harvest grain handling of main cereal crops, as well as biotic and abiotic factors affecting grain quality and its safety. The change in grain quality during its post-harvest handling, which was characterized by internal and acquired properties, was considered. The parameters of grain quality deterioration during post-harvest handling and storage, the role of aeration and drying in maintaining quality were discussed. Particular attention was paid to the need for a thorough analysis of the effect of the drying method on grain quality when developing a grain drying strategy and post-harvest handling. The presented schemes of the design features of a storage facility for safe storage of seeds in bags and a system for monitoring grain mass in bulk are scientifically significant and can be applied in design bureaus developing technologies and machines for grain handling and storage.

Dondokov Yuriy Zh., Ammosov Innokentiy N., Drincha Vasilii M., Druzyanova Varvara P., Kondakova Nadezhda I.

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