Assessment of Storage Insect Pests, Methods and Management Practices for Rice (Oryza sativa L.) in Fogera, Northwestern Ethiopia

Storage pests are a significant factor contributing to rice crop losses, adversely affecting both the quantity and quality of stored rice. This study was carried out to assess the current status of storage insect pests, storage methods, and management practices in Fogera district, Ethiopia, during the 2022 cropping season. The assessment was conducted based on interviews, visiting the individual households, and collecting a representative sample of rice grains from each store among 200 randomly selected farmer households. Data on the socio-economic characteristics, storage structures, durations of rice storage, pest management practices, relative abundance, grain damage, weight loss, and germination percentage were collected and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The result of the study showed that rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae), lesser grain borer (Rhyzopertha dominica), red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum), and angoumois grain moth (Sitotroga cerealella) insect pests were found in the surveyed areas. Among these, rice weevil and lesser grain borer predominantly occurred, and the majority of the respondents perceived them as the most common and damaging pests of rice. Most farmers used traditional storage structures like Gota (32%), Shirfa (27%), polypropylene bags (25%), and fertilizer bags (12%) for storing rice, which were susceptible to insect pest infestations, resulting in 2.26% grain damage. Farmers applied various storage insect pest control methods, including physical, chemical, and cultural practices, with chemical (29%) being the most commonly used. They repeatedly use insecticides that pose risks to both the environment and human health. Therefore, the study recommended the adoption of improved storage technologies to protect grains from pests, minimize insecticide use, and preserve grain quality. Additionally, training on effective storage methods, pest management, and healthy rice preparation is essential. These findings serve as a foundation for developing sustainable pest management methods in the study area, ultimately improving food security and farmer livelihoods.