aICAR-Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering & Technology, P.O. PAU, Ludhiana-141004, Punjab
bKrishi Anusandhan Bhawan-II, Pusa, New Delhi-110012
cICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal-132001, Haryana
dICAR-Indian Agricultural Statistics Research Institute, Library Avenue, Pusa, New Delhi-110012
Online published on 5 December, 2018.
Based on the enquiry and observation methods, this study has assessed the quantitative losses of pulses that occurred in farm operations starting from harvest onwards and also during storages at different levels in supply chain. A concurrent survey at the national level covering all the agro-climatic zones (ACZ) except one was conducted. Data analysis was done separately for enquiry and observation and thereafter merged to obtain final estimate of loss at district level and then arrived at ACZ level, using district wise production of pulse crops as credence. The national level estimates were obtained by pooling of loss estimates of ACZ level. Wide variations in losses of pulses were observed across ACZs. Overall, harvest and post-harvest losses of pulses at national level, ranged from 6.36% (pigeon pea) to 8.41% (chick pea), wherein, harvesting, collection, threshing and winnowing operations contributed more, that are in tune of 4.69% for pigeon pea to 7.23% for chick pea, in comparison to post-harvest storage losses which ranged from 1.18% (chick pea and black gram) to 1.67% (pigeon pea). The estimated output worth of Rs. 3877 crores was lost mainly due to inappropriate harvesting and poor post-harvest management of pulses.
