ABSTRACT
Postharvest loss is a solvable global problem. The ADM Institute at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign created the ADMI Village in Bihar, India, as a testing ground to put PHL research into action. Researchers from the ADM Institute partners in Bihar use outreach and education techniques to instruct local farmers in improved postharvest practices. The ADMI Grain Handling System uses grain dryers and hermetic storage bags in combination to improve the quality and quantity of grain that is harvested and safely stored. Technology centers in the village are run by trained lead farmers, who run the dryers and other technology at the centers and provide hands-on assistance to smallholder farmers. An ADM Institute-initiated bag subsidy program allows farmers to purchase hermetic storage bags at a deep discount over market rates, making the bags accessible to smallholder farmers. Bihar partners have conducted several farmer training sessions on postharvest techniques, including some specifically for women, since women conduct much of the postharvest processing work. Another mission of the ADMI Village is to provide a space for international conversations and education about postharvest loss solutions. International meetings have taken place in the village and facilitating collaboration is an important function.
