Tips on harvesting, storage of cowpeas

Development Trust advi-ses farmers to take care in harvest and post-harvest handling to avoid cracking and splitting of the seed.
Cowpeas seed is usually harvested at moisture contents of around 12 and 13 percent.
It is advisable to temporarily store the grain in a smoking kitchen to condition the moisture and reduce it to eight to nine percent and also smoke treat the seed against weevils, which are the most common post harvest pest. The seed can be stored in a cool dry place with gum tree or lippia (zumbani) treatment (place the leaves in the storage container in contact with the grain).
This is effective for three months hence the need to be changed every three months.
Chemical seed treatment can also be used and farmers can seek assistance from their Agritex officers.