By Rohit More 
How the Peve System Works
The Peve system involves digging deep underground pits, usually up to 25 feet deep, that provide an ideal environment for storing turmeric and other grains like wheat, sorghum, and maize. These pits harness the natural insulation properties of the soil, regulating moisture and temperature while protecting crops from pests.
Key benefits of the Peve storage system include:
- Moisture Regulation: The soil’s natural ability to regulate humidity ensures turmeric remains dry and free of mold.
- Pest Resistance: The vacuum-sealed environment in these pits makes it difficult for pests to survive.
- Quality Improvement: Turmeric stored in these pits hardens and matures over time, often improving both its weight and quality. Farmers have observed increases in weight after storing turmeric for several years.
- Cost-Effective: Storage charges were traditionally minimal, making the system affordable even for small-scale farmers.
This natural, low-maintenance system provided a sustainable way for farmers to safeguard their harvests, preserving turmeric for up to a decade.
Why the Peve System Was Essential for Turmeric Storage
India produces approximately 75% of the world’s turmeric supply, making the crop essential to both domestic and global markets. For farmers, post-harvest losses are a significant concern, and the Peve system emerged as a solution to preserve turmeric for extended periods. Compared to modern cold storage facilities that are expensive and energy-intensive, the underground pits provided a natural and cost-efficient alternative.
Farmers could store large quantities of turmeric between February and June, paying minimal fees per 100 kilograms. This affordability allowed farmers to wait for better market prices instead of selling their produce under pressure.
Additionally, the security offered by these pits was unparalleled. The lack of oxygen in the sealed pits acted as a natural deterrent against theft, as entering the pits without proper ventilation could be dangerous.
The Impact of Climate Change on the Peve System
Unfortunately, the Peve system has been severely impacted by increasing climate change-related disasters, particularly flooding. Over the past few decades, recurring floods have destroyed most of these underground pits. Once a reliable storage solution, the system now lies abandoned in many regions.
Key challenges include:
- Flood Damage: Intense floods have destroyed the pits, filling them with debris and rendering them unusable.
- Climate Instability: Unpredictable rainfall patterns and extreme weather events have made traditional pit digging impractical and unsustainable.
- Loss of Knowledge: The art of constructing and maintaining these pits has been passed down orally for generations, and with fewer pits remaining, this knowledge is at risk of being lost.
The repeated destruction of these pits has forced many farmers to abandon the traditional storage method altogether. Unable to afford expensive modern storage systems, many have shifted to cultivating other crops like sugarcane, which are water-intensive and less sustainable for the environment.
Post-Harvest Losses and the Need for Solutions
India, like many other parts of the world, faces massive post-harvest losses. Studies show that billions of dollars are lost annually due to improper storage, pest infestations, and a lack of infrastructure. While modern warehouses and cold storage facilities exist, their high costs make them inaccessible to small-scale farmers.
The loss of systems like Peve is a cautionary tale of how climate change is disrupting traditional, sustainable practices that were once the foundation of food security. Across the globe, similar traditional storage methods — such as granaries on stilts in Africa and zeer pots in the Middle East — are also under threat due to climate instability.
Reviving Traditional Systems in a Changing Climate
To mitigate post-harvest losses and adapt to climate change, it is essential to explore ways to preserve and modernize traditional systems like the Peve. Possible steps include:
- Flood-Resistant Design: Research and innovation can help develop storage pits that are better insulated against floods and extreme weather.
- Documentation of Knowledge: Recording the traditional knowledge of pit construction and maintenance can ensure it is not lost for future generations.
- Community-Led Solutions: Farmers and local communities can collaborate with experts to revive and modify traditional methods.
- Government Support: Providing financial and technical assistance can help rebuild traditional food storage systems.
Conclusion
The Peve system represents a remarkable example of how natural resources and traditional knowledge were used to build a sustainable food storage solution. While climate change has disrupted this system, its principles remain relevant as the world looks for affordable, eco-friendly storage options. By combining traditional wisdom with modern innovation, it is possible to preserve these systems and address the growing challenges of food security and climate resilience.