ISLAMABAD: Pakistan can save hundreds of millions of rupees by minimizing post-harvest crop losses through the use of modern equipment.
Horticultural produce loss is a pressing issue in the post-harvest process. It can be caused by a variety of things, from growing conditions to retail handling. Agricultural production is seasonal and subject to environmental factors, but post-production processes are crucial in ensuring the stability of the food supply chain.
Talking to WealthPK, Prof Dr. Muhammad Azam Khan, Chairman Department of Horticulture, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, said that about 35 to 40% of total production is lost as a result of post-harvest losses in fruits and vegetables due to improper handling of the perishable products, inefficient transportation, and inadequate storage facilities and market infrastructure.
“If we see wheat post-harvest losses, it starts from seeds,” he said.
“As wheat seeds arrive in March and April, we need to do proper grading and make that seed dry, and use suitable packing material, but before packing there should be proper fumigation so that it doesn’t catch fungus, and there should be a proper storage facility where we can store them for a longer period of time because they will be used in November. If we don’t, the viable seed won’t germinate properly, which lowers the percentage of wheat production,” he explained.
Dr. Azam said proper seed collection and storage are the key to ensuring viable seeds in the future.
“Farmers and companies that are engaged in the production of wheat should follow protocols, including knowing how to handle seed grain after harvest and prepare it for the following year,” he added. –INP
