Post Harvest Management: Reducing wastage after harvest and increasing farmer profits in Indian agriculture system

Post Harvest Management: Importance of post-harvest management in Indian agriculture system Lack of storage facilities, transportation and food processing units at the farm level is affecting value chains, especially in case of perishable commodities. As a result, farmers suffer greater losses than wholesalers, processors and retailers.

Post-harvest management is becoming important in today’s time. As farmers are working on reducing wastage of grains and doubling and tripling their profits. Over the last two decades, India’s food system has undergone a significant change.

Demand for cereals and pulses is witnessing a decline, while demand for horticulture and livestock products is increasing due to rising incomes, urbanisation and female labour force participation. However, this change has not brought the expected benefits to farmers, increasing the rural-urban divide.

Lack of storage facilities, transportation and food processing units at the farm level is affecting value chains, especially in case of perishable commodities. As a result, farmers suffer greater losses than wholesalers, processors and retailers.

Current Status Of Agriculture Sector In India

The government has launched several schemes to increase farmers’ income and strengthen the rural economy, such as Prime Minister Kisan Samman Nidhi, National Agriculture Market (e-NAM), Prime Minister’s Agricultural Irrigation Scheme and Prime Minister Crop Insurance Scheme. In 2016, the Indian government also set a target of doubling farmers’ income by 2022. But despite policy efforts, the growth rate of the agriculture sector was a mere 2.9% during 2014-15 to 2018-19.

Most farmers in India are stuck in the low-income bracket. According to 2015-16 data, about 68% of farmers with marginal land had an annual income of just Rs 33,636, which works out to about Rs 2,803 per month. Moreover, agricultural revenues saw a decline of 6% per year between 2014 and 2016. Factors such as lack of public investment, slow pace of technological advancement, and fragmented agricultural markets are among the major reasons for the decline in farmers’ income.

Importance of Post Harvest Management (PHM)

After agricultural products are harvested, they have to undergo several processes before they reach consumers, including post-harvest operations, handling, and storage. Post-harvest losses directly affect farmers’ income. According to a 2016 study by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), during harvesting and storage:

3.9% to 6% of cereals

4.3% to 6.1% of pulses

2.8% to 10.1% of oilseeds

5.8% to 18.1% of fruits

6.9% to 13% of vegetables

are lost. Additionally, according to the Committee on Doubling Farmers’ Income (2019), about 40 per cent of the total fruits and vegetables produced in India are not sold by farmers, causing them a loss of about Rs 63,000 crore every year.

Benefits of PHM And Farmers

Post-harvest management is not only limited to reducing losses, but it also gives farmers more bargaining power. Through PHM:

1. Timely sale in the market: Farmers can store the produce at the right time and sell it when the market prices are high.

2. Better quality maintenance: The quality of grains, pulses and fruits and vegetables can be maintained, which increases the value of the produce.

3. Improvement in the value chain: Farmers can reduce dependence on middlemen and earn more profits through direct selling.

Effect of TARINA and PHM

Under the flagship project of Tata-Cornell Institute, TARINA (Technical Assistance and Research for Indian Nutrition and Agriculture), post-harvest interventions were implemented in Bihar, Odisha and Uttar Pradesh. The aim of this project was not only to reduce food losses but also to empower farmers economically.

Impact of PHM techniques

Under TARINA:

1. Farmers were trained on the best methods of grain cleaning, sun drying and storage.

2. Machines like multigrain threshers and spiral graders were distributed, which increased the quality of the produce.

3. 13 types of equipment like moisture meters, metal storage bins and solar dryers were made available.

4. These efforts helped farmers get maximum value for their produce.

PHM And The Economic Condition Of Farmers 

Reducing storage losses under PHM has been shown to increase farmers’ income. The research found that farmers who adopted PHM in crops such as wheat, pigeon pea and potato received better prices. Per capita monthly expenditure saw an increase of ₹317 due to PHM, which was equivalent to ₹1,600 monthly additional income for an average family of five.

Strategies For The Future

The following steps can be taken to improve the agriculture sector:

1.Investment in storage facilities: Develop affordable and sustainable storage options for farmers.

2.Technical education and awareness: Make farmers aware of modern PHM techniques.

3.Digital marketing and e-NAM: Efforts to connect farmers to digital platforms and reach consumers directly.

4.More support from the government: Government should provide subsidy and financial assistance for adopting PHM techniques.