Agricultural waste management is a critical issue in India, where significant amounts of produce are wasted post-harvest, leading to economic losses for farmers and contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing this issue is essential for both environmental sustainability and the economic well-being of the agricultural sector.

 

Current Scenario

In India, post-harvest losses are a major concern, with estimates suggesting that about 40% of the produce, particularly fruits and vegetables, is wasted before it reaches consumers. This wastage is primarily due to inadequate infrastructure, including a lack of cold storage facilities, inefficient supply chains, and poor handling practices. According to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the annual value of post-harvest losses in India amounts to ?92,651 crores (approximately USD 12.6 billion).

Challenges

• Lack of Cold Storage: Only about 10% of perishable goods in India are stored in cold storage facilities. This lack of proper storage leads to significant spoilage. India has around 7,645 cold storage units with a capacity of 36.7 million tonnes, which is insufficient for the total production.
• Inadequate Transportation: Poor transportation infrastructure results in delays and damage to produce during transit. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) reports that about 1.5-2% of grains are lost during transportation.
• Handling Practices: Rough handling and inadequate packaging materials contribute to the deterioration of produce quality. For example, losses in the handling of horticultural produce can be as high as 30% due to poor packaging.
• Education and Awareness: Many farmers lack the knowledge and resources to implement best practices for post-harvest management. Training programs and extension services are often limited and inaccessible.

Key Technologies

Improved Storage Solutions

• Cold Chain Infrastructure: Expanding cold storage facilities and establishing a robust cold chain network can significantly reduce spoilage of perishable goods. 
• Modern Warehousing: Implementing modern warehousing solutions with climate control can help preserve the quality of grains and pulses. The Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) is promoting the construction of scientific warehouses with a target of increasing storage capacity by 40 million tonnes by 2030.

Technology-Driven Platforms

• E-Marketplaces: Platforms like eNAM (National Agriculture Market) allow farmers to sell their produce directly to buyers, reducing the layers in the supply chain and minimizing losses. As of 2023, eNAM has integrated 1,000 mandis across 18 states and union territories, facilitating transactions worth ?1,43,000 crores.
• Mobile Apps for Farmers: Apps providing real-time information on weather, market prices, and best practices can empower farmers to make informed decisions. The Ministry of Agriculture's Kisan Suvidha app has over 4 million downloads and provides a range of services to farmers.

Value Recovery from Agricultural Residues

• Bioenergy Production: Converting crop residues into bioenergy can provide a sustainable energy source and reduce air pollution from burning residues. Projects like the Biogas Development Programme promote the use of agricultural waste for biogas production. 
• Composting and Bio-fertilizers: Transforming agricultural waste into compost or bio-fertilizers can enhance soil health and reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers. The National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) supports organic farming and aims to bring 2 million hectares under organic cultivation by 2030.

Case Studies

Rice Post-Production Losses

• In India, rice is a staple crop, and the post-production process faces significant challenges. Post-harvest losses for rice can be as high as 30% due to factors such as improper drying techniques and lack of modern milling equipment. 
• Example, in states like Punjab and Haryana, traditional methods of drying rice on open fields expose the grain to pests and weather conditions, leading to substantial losses. 

Agricultural Waste and Environmental Impact

• In addition to post-harvest losses, India generates around 500 million tonnes of agricultural waste annually. This waste includes crop residues such as straw, husks, and stubble, which are often burned, contributing to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. 
• The burning of crop residues, particularly in northern India, leads to severe air quality issues and health problems. For instance, stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana contributes to approximately 32% of Delhi's air pollution during peak burning season.