Introduction
India’s agricultural sector forms the backbone of the nation’s economy, contributing significantly to employment, food security, and GDP. However, post-harvest losses (PHL) remain a critical challenge, undermining efforts to maximize agricultural productivity and profitability. A recent study commissioned by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) through NABARD Consultancy Services (NABCONS) sheds light on the extent of PHL in India, both in terms of volume and monetary value. This blog explores these findings, the government’s interventions, and the role of Shiva Consultancy Group in creating sustainable solutions for the food processing ecosystem.
Key Findings from the NABCONS Study (2022)
The study, with the reference period 2020-2022, revealed significant losses across various stages of the supply chain for perishable food items during transportation. Below are some notable observations:
Estimated Losses (%)
Category At Farm Level (%) At Market Level (%) Fruits 0.27 – 1.41 0.50 – 1.30 Vegetables 0.11 – 0.85 0.12 – 1.57 Milk 0.21 0.12 Egg 0.30 0.39 Meat – 0.02 Poultry Meat – 0.02 Inland Fish 0.14 0.14 Marine Fish 0.42 0.52
Monetary Losses (2020-22)
The study estimated total monetary losses across various commodities at a staggering scale: Category Estimated Loss (Rs. in Crore) Cereals 26,000.79 Pulses 9,289.21 Oilseeds 10,924.97 Fruits 29,545.07 Vegetables 27,459.08 Plantation Crops 16,412.56 Livestock Produce 29,871.41 Eggs 3,287.32
Crop-specific data indicated the highest monetary losses in staples such as wheat (Rs. 9,883.45 crore) and paddy (Rs. 12,296.67 crore), while mangoes (Rs. 10,581.92 crore) and bananas (Rs. 5,777.01 crore) topped the fruit category.
Government Initiatives to Tackle Post-Harvest Losses
To mitigate these losses, the Government of India has launched several initiatives:
1. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)
Launched in 2016-17, PMKSY focuses on creating post-harvest infrastructure and processing facilities to enhance value addition and reduce losses. Key components include:
- Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure
- Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Clusters
- Creation/Expansion of Food Processing and Preservation Capacities
- Operation Greens
As of October 31, 2024, 1,187 projects have been approved under PMKSY, providing financial assistance to entrepreneurs for setting up cold storage facilities and other critical infrastructure.
2. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
Under the Atmanirbhar Bharat package, the AIF scheme launched in July 2020 aims to improve post-harvest infrastructure and community farming assets. This includes:
- Medium to long-term loans for cold storage facilities, warehouses, and processing units.
- Enhanced focus on reducing crop wastage and value addition.
Challenges in Addressing Post-Harvest Losses
Despite these initiatives, key challenges persist:
- Fragmented Supply Chains: Inadequate connectivity between farm-level production and market infrastructure.
- Insufficient Storage Facilities: Limited availability of cold storage and processing units in rural areas.
- Awareness Gap: Farmers’ lack of awareness about best practices in post-harvest handling and value addition.
Role of Shiva Consultancy Group in Mitigating Post-Harvest Losses
At Shiva Consultancy Group, we are committed to creating sustainable and innovative solutions to address PHL. Our approach includes:
1. Value Chain Development
We collaborate with stakeholders to design integrated value chains, ensuring seamless connectivity from farm to market. This reduces inefficiencies and enhances profitability for farmers and entrepreneurs.
2. Technology Integration
Leveraging technology, we enable the deployment of advanced storage solutions, IoT-based monitoring systems, and AI-driven demand forecasting to minimize losses.
3. Financial Assistance
We provide consultancy services to facilitate access to government schemes such as PMKSY and AIF, helping businesses secure grants and loans for infrastructure development.
4. Skill Development and Training
Our capacity-building programs empower farmers and agripreneurs with knowledge about post-harvest management, value addition, and market linkages.
Conclusion
The scale of post-harvest losses in India highlights an urgent need for collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and consulting firms. By leveraging government initiatives and fostering innovation, we can transform challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth in the agricultural and food processing sectors. Shiva Consultancy Group remains committed to driving this change and creating value across the ecosystem.
For more information on how Shiva Consultancy Group can assist your business in addressing post-harvest challenges, visit us at http://shivagroup.org.in or contact us at rksjha@live.in.