Post-Harvest Management Schemes: How Farmers Can Reduce Losses and Increase Profits
Introduction
Post-harvest losses are a major concern for farmers in India, impacting their income and the overall agricultural economy. According to various reports, India loses 10-15% of its agricultural produce due to inadequate post-harvest management. These losses occur due to factors like poor storage, inefficient transportation, lack of processing facilities, and market fluctuations.
To combat this issue, the Indian government has introduced several schemes and insurance policies aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and increasing farmers’ profits. This article explores various government-backed post-harvest management schemes, insurance coverage, and best practices to help farmers safeguard their produce and maximize earnings.
Understanding Post-Harvest Losses and Their Impact
Post-harvest losses refer to the quantity and quality reduction of farm produce after harvesting, which occurs due to:
- Improper handling and storage
- Pest and disease attacks
- Lack of processing and value addition
- Inefficient transportation and distribution
- Market volatility and price fluctuations
These losses directly affect farmers’ income and can also lead to food insecurity at a national level. Effective post-harvest management strategies and government support can reduce waste, enhance value addition, and increase profits for farmers.
Government Schemes for Post-Harvest Management
1. Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY)
- Aims to modernize agricultural infrastructure and minimize post-harvest losses.
- Provides financial assistance for setting up cold storage units, food processing industries, and logistics facilities.
- Supports farmers, FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations), and agri-startups in building sustainable post-harvest solutions.
2. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)
- Offers low-interest loans for developing warehouses, cold chains, and processing units.
- Helps farmer cooperatives and agri-entrepreneurs set up storage and logistics infrastructure.
3. Operation Greens (TOP to TOTAL)
- Focuses on price stabilization and post-harvest management for perishable crops.
- Provides 50% subsidy on transportation and storage of fruits and vegetables.
- Encourages processing and value addition to minimize wastage and improve farmer profits.
4. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
- Promotes post-harvest infrastructure for horticultural produce.
- Provides funding for packhouses, ripening chambers, and cold storage units.
5. Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY-RAFTAAR)
- Funds projects related to processing, packaging, and marketing of farm produce.
- Encourages startups and agri-business ventures in post-harvest management.
6. National Horticulture Board (NHB) Subsidies
- Provides financial assistance for the development of cold storage facilities and value-added processing units.
- Supports farmers in setting up grading, sorting, and packaging units.
Role of Insurance in Post-Harvest Management
Insurance is a critical tool for protecting farmers from financial losses due to post-harvest damages. Various government-backed insurance schemes offer compensation for losses due to natural calamities, storage failures, and market fluctuations.
1. Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
- Covers post-harvest losses caused by extreme weather events (floods, cyclones, unseasonal rains, etc.).
- Ensures timely claim settlements to prevent financial distress.
2. Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS)
- Provides coverage against weather-related post-harvest damages.
- Helps farmers recover losses due to excessive rainfall, temperature variations, or droughts.
3. Warehouse Receipt Financing
- Allows farmers to store their produce in government-approved warehouses and obtain credit against warehouse receipts.
- Reduces distress selling and ensures better pricing opportunities.
4. Livestock and Dairy Insurance Schemes
- Provides insurance coverage for post-harvest losses in dairy and animal husbandry sectors.
- Helps mitigate risks associated with disease outbreaks and spoilage.
Best Practices for Effective Post-Harvest Management
Farmers can take several steps to reduce post-harvest losses and maximize their earnings:
1. Adopt Modern Storage Solutions
- Use scientific storage techniques such as cold storage, hermetic storage, and silo systems to preserve produce quality.
- Invest in community storage facilities for long-term grain preservation.
2. Use Proper Handling and Packaging
- Implement best practices for sorting, grading, and packaging to maintain quality.
- Utilize packhouses and ripening chambers for fruits and vegetables.
3. Invest in Food Processing and Value Addition
- Convert raw produce into processed goods (e.g., dried fruits, pickles, dairy products) to extend shelf life and increase profits.
- Participate in government-subsidized food processing initiatives.
4. Leverage Government Schemes for Transportation
- Utilize subsidized transportation and logistics support under schemes like Operation Greens.
- Reduce transport-related losses by using refrigerated trucks and supply chain automation.
5. Utilize Agri-Tech for Loss Prevention
- Use IoT-based sensors for real-time monitoring of stored grains.
- Employ AI-driven forecasting models to predict spoilage risks and manage storage conditions accordingly.
6. Insure Agricultural Produce Against Losses
- Enroll in government-backed insurance schemes to safeguard against post-harvest losses.
- Take advantage of warehouse receipt financing to avoid panic selling during price fluctuations.
How Farmers Can Maximize Benefits from Post-Harvest Schemes
- Stay Informed: Regularly check government websites and agricultural extension offices for updates on subsidies and schemes.
- Join Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs): Leverage FPOs to access collective storage, processing, and insurance benefits.
- Apply for Government Grants: Utilize AIF, PMKSY, and MIDH to build storage and value-addition facilities.
- Use Technology for Storage and Logistics: Invest in digital solutions for tracking inventory, temperature control, and moisture levels.
- Engage with Agri-Entrepreneurs and Cooperatives: Collaborate with startups and processing units to enhance market access.
Conclusion
Effective post-harvest management is key to reducing losses and increasing farmers’ profits. By utilizing government schemes, insurance coverages, and modern technologies, farmers can enhance produce quality, store crops safely, and ensure better market returns.
The government’s continued efforts in post-harvest infrastructure development and financial assistance are empowering farmers to overcome challenges and secure a profitable future. With the right approach, Indian farmers can turn post-harvest losses into profitable opportunities and strengthen the nation’s agricultural economy.
