Reducing Post-Harvest Losses can initiate an Agri Revolution

Amid the vast expanse of India's agricultural landscape and its global stature as a key agricultural hub, the country has been grappling with substantial post-harvest losses. Boasting significant contributions to global outputs of jute, pulses, and milk, alongside securing the second spot in cultivating commodities like wheat, rice, and cotton, India's agricultural feats shine bright. However, these accomplishments are cast under a shadow by the notable wastage that unfolds between harvest and consumption. In this era, defined by transformative technology, it's only fitting to explore the potential of innovative strategies to tackle this pressing issue.

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ASHOK PRASAD, Co-Founder, Unnati Agri

According to a recent study endorsed by the Indian government, the span between harvesting and consumption results in the loss of a significant 5-13 per cent of fruits and vegetables, along with approximately 3-7 per cent of crops encompassing oil seeds, and spices. This struggle is underscored by reports indicating that, despite a notable 23 per cent increase in grain production between fiscal year 2015 and 2023, the reduction in post-harvest losses for the same duration remains marginal, standing at less than one per cent. Amid the current scenario, the role of technological advancements becomes pivotal. Leveraging innovations in domains such as cold storage, transportation logistics, and precision farming, these technological strides can optimise supply chains, curtail spoilage, and elevate preservation methods. By efficiently managing surplus yields and minimising losses, these solutions hold the potential to safeguard food security, bolster the livelihoods of farmers, and foster a more ecologically balanced agricultural landscape.

There is an urgent need to embrace some path-breaking technologies which can be listed as follows:

Innovative Storage Solutions