135 Scientific Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences (2013) 2(3) 135-139 ISSN 2322-2956 Salient factors in the low utilization of PICS bags (triple-bagging) in Nasarawa local government area of Kano state, Nigeria A.J. Adegbola, F.E. Awagu, S.I. Onimajesin*, E.O. Ojuekaiye, O.S. Kamaldeen Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute, PMB 3032 Kano, Nigeria. * Corresponding author; Department of Sociology, University of Ilorin, PMB 1515 Ilorin, Nigeria. A R T I C L E I N F O Article history: Received 01 February 2013 Accepted 27 February 2013 Available online 30 March 2013 Keywords: Hermetic Underutilization Insects Merchants Storage Cowpea A B S T R A C T The paper asserts that cowpea is a major nutritional legume in West Africa and that the grain experiences great losses at postharvest stages especially at storage. It posits that hermetic storage which the PICS is one of have proved to be a very successful storage option for cowpea storage without the use of agro chemicals but that there are daunting problems with its utilization. The study revealed among others that having outlets where the PICS can be bought(29%), making the PICS cheaper (45%), convince grain merchants that the PICS is more effective than regular storage bags(19%), and lastly forcing it on grain merchants by government would lead to more usage of the PICS (7%). Based on the opinion of the cowpea merchants it was recommended that the selling price of the PICS be reviewed downwards, and that there should be a massive enlightenment campaign for the use of the PICS; advantages of the PICS over regular bags and how to use the PICS should be demonstrated in all grain markets in the region by extension bodies both public and private. © 2013 Sjournals. All rights reserved. Contents lists available at Sjournals Journal homepage: www.Sjournals.com Original article