Srinagar, Aug 7: Jammu and Kashmir has recorded an estimated 9.51 per cent post-harvest loss in apples, according to data presented by the Central Government in the Lok Sabha, highlighting the continuing challenges facing the Union Territory’s crucial horticulture sector.
Replying to a question in Parliament, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan said the figures are based on the latest assessment conducted by NABARD Consultancy Services (NABCONS) in 2022. The study evaluated post-harvest losses across major agricultural commodities in different states but did not assess their direct financial impact on farmers.
The data revealed that, besides apples, Jammu and Kashmir recorded an estimated 3.92 per cent loss in maize, 6.08 per cent in eggs, and 7.33 per cent in beans.
The minister informed Parliament that the Centre has commissioned studies through the ICAR-Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology (CIPHET) and NABCONS to understand post-harvest losses and improve agricultural efficiency.
To minimise crop wastage, the government is implementing several schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME), and the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industries (PLISFPI).
These initiatives support the development of cold storage infrastructure, food processing units, preservation facilities, value addition, and modern supply chains, aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and improving farmers’ income.
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