Post-harvest losses
Also called: Post-harvest wastage · Topic: Agricultural Marketing, MSP, Buffer Stocks and PDS · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 5 "Rural Development"
Meaning
Post-harvest losses are the loss in quantity and quality of farm produce between harvest and consumption. They come from poor storage, handling, transport and processing. Perishables such as fruits and vegetables suffer most. These losses cut farmers' incomes, raise prices for consumers and waste food. They are the main reason India needs more warehouses, cold storage and cold chains.
Example
NCERT says "more than 10 per cent of goods produced in farms are wasted due to lack of storage". NABCONS (2022) put the loss at about ₹1.5 lakh crore a year. Losses were highest for fruits (about 6-15%) and vegetables (about 5-12%) and lower for cereals (about 4-6%).
Don't confuse with
- Pre-harvest crop loss: damage to the standing crop from pests, drought or floods before harvest. Post-harvest losses begin only after the crop is harvested.
Related concepts
- Warehouse
- Warehouse receipt
- Negotiable warehouse receipt
- Electronic negotiable warehouse receipt
- Cold chain