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Choosing the right track to cut post-harvest losses
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Context
India, despite ranking second in global agriculture production, holds only a 2.4% share in global agricultural exports. Significant post-harvest losses and supply chain inefficiencies are major factors contributing to this gap. Addressing post-harvest losses is crucial for meeting the food and nutrition demands of a growing population.
Challenges in India's Post-Harvest Losses:
- High Losses in Perishables: The biggest losses occur in perishable commodities like livestock produce (22%), fruits (19%), and vegetables (18%). Storage, transportation, and marketing inefficiencies exacerbate these losses.
- Supply Chain Inefficiencies: India's fragmented supply chain, involving multiple logistical requirements from farmgate to consumer, faces significant challenges. Small and marginal farmers (86% of the farmer population) struggle with economies of scale and assured market connectivity.
- Food Price Volatility: Supply constraints and inefficiencies in the supply chain contribute to food price volatility, affecting both farmers and consumers.
Railways' Initiatives to Reduce Losses:
- Truck-on-Train Service: This service transports loaded trucks on railway wagons, with successful trial runs for commodities like milk and cattle feed. The Indian Railways is expanding this service.
- Parcel Special Trains: Introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, these trains transport perishables and seeds between markets and producers.
- Kisan Rail: This initiative connects surplus production regions with consumption regions, reducing post-harvest losses and enhancing farmer incomes. For instance, grape growers in Nashik, Maharashtra, secured a net profit of ?5,000 per quintal using Kisan Rail.
Future Directions and Untapped Opportunities:
- Specialized Wagons and Rail-Side Facilities: Investment in temperature-controlled transport and safe cargo handling facilities are essential to minimize spoilage and contamination risks, supporting both domestic and export markets.
- Streamlining Operations: Recommendations include streamlining loading and unloading processes and addressing staffing shortages through recruitment and training.
- Environmental and Economic Benefits: The Indian Railways generates up to 80% less carbon dioxide for freight traffic than road transport. Public-private partnerships can enhance operational efficiency and strengthen rail infrastructure.
UPSC Mains Questions:
Q1. Discuss the challenges and potential solutions for reducing post-harvest losses in India's agricultural sector. How can the Indian Railways contribute to mitigating these losses?
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