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INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ADVANCED RESEARCH IN COMMERCE, MANAGEMENT & SOCIAL SCIENCE (IJARCMSS) [ Vol. 9 | No. 1 (II) | January - March, 2026 ]

A Study on Strategies for Minimizing Post-Harvest Losses in Agricultural Produce: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions

Dr. Neha Kumari

Post-harvest losses (PHL) remain a major challenge to food security, farmer income, and environmental sustainability, particularly in developing countries. Globally, about 13–14 percent of food is lost between harvest and retail, while India experiences even higher losses, especially in perishable commodities such as fruits and vegetables, where losses range from 30 to 40 percent. These losses result primarily from inadequate storage and cold-chain infrastructure, poor handling and packaging practices, limited access to modern technologies, weak market linkages, and low awareness of scientific post-harvest management. The present study examines the extent and causes of post-harvest losses and evaluates sustainable and cost-effective strategies for minimizing such losses in agricultural produce. The study is based on secondary data collected from FAO, World Bank, Government of India reports, and peer-reviewed literature, using a descriptive and analytical research approach. Findings indicate that perishable commodities suffer the highest losses due to temperature sensitivity and delayed market access, while cereals and pulses, though relatively less affected, incur significant absolute losses. The study highlights that low- and medium-cost interventions—including hermetic storage, improved drying, cold storage, value addition, farmer training, and digital technologies—can substantially reduce post-harvest losses while improving supply chain efficiency and farmer income. It concludes that an integrated approach combining technology, capacity building, digital solutions, and supportive policy measures is essential to strengthen agricultural value chains, promote sustainability, and achieve long-term food security.

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https://doi.org/10.3390/foods13121875

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