Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) Bags: An Innovative Hermetic Storage Technology for Postharvest Crop Management in Developing Countries

Postharvest losses remain a major barrier to food security and economic growth in developing countries, where smallholder farmers often lack access to effective crop storage solutions. The Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) bag, developed by Purdue University, is a triple-layer hermetic storage technology designed to reduce such losses without the use of chemical pesticides. This review examines the design, functionality and impact of PICS bags, with a focus on their role in mitigating postharvest losses, improving grain quality, and enhancing the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. It synthesizes peer-reviewed articles, technical reports, and research articles published between 2000 and 2025, identified through systematic searches in Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar, and relevant organizational websites. Thematic analysis revealed that PICS bags consistently outperformed traditional storage methods, metal silos, polypropylene sacks, and other hermetic storage by controlling insect pests (up to 99% reduction), preventing mold growth, reducing postharvest losses and preserving grain quality for six months or more without chemical application. Evidence also showed positive economic impacts through higher off-season grain prices and reduced pesticide costs, alongside environmental and food safety benefits. However, persistent challenges include low farmer awareness, initial purchase cost, and concerns over durability. This review concludes that, with adequate awareness campaigns, affordability strategies, and continuous technical improvements, PICS bag technology offers a scalable and sustainable solution to postharvest challenges, contributing meaningfully to poverty reduction, food security, and agricultural resilience in vulnerable regions.