Assessment of Post-harvest Losses of Major Vegetables in Rangareddy District of Telangana

Objective: Keeping in view the non-availability of systematic studies on post-harvest loss in Telangana, the current study was undertaken to assess the extent of post-harvest losses in major vegetables viz., tomato and brinjal and to identify the factors affecting post-harvest losses at farm level.

Methods: Tabular analysis was used to calculate the post-harvest losses, the data was summarized using statistical tools such as average and percentage and multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to examine the factors affecting post-harvest losses at farm level. The present study was conducted in Rangareddy district which is the leading vegetable growing district in Telangana with a sample of 30 farmers,6 wholesalers and 6 retailers for each crop.

Findings: The overall post-harvest loss in tomato and brinjal was 28.51 and 23.27 kg per quintal respectively and maximum losses was occurring at farm level for both crops. Functional analysis revealed that the factors such as age, education, extent of crop production and labour dummy (where family contribution is >50% in total labour demand ‘1’, else ‘0’) was significant in both crops studied. Timely plant protection measures in case of brinjal also significantly reduced the post-harvest losses. On an average, the per quintal monetary loss was relatively more for brinjal (Rs.239.6/q) than tomato (Rs.236.6/q). The total monetary loss at state level was Rs.251.6 crores for the study crops.

Conclusion: It is evident from the results that losses are occurring in the value chain due to poor infrastructure and lack of post-harvest management techniques. Proper training on pest management and policies ensuring labour availability during peak harvesting period can aid in reducing the losses.