Post Harvest Losses in Marketing of Cole Crops in Himachal Pradesh

Post-harvest loss assessment in marketing and the methods of estimation are important areas of research in post-harvest management. The study was conducted in Chhota Bhangal area of district Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. A two-stage random sampling technique was employed for the selection of 10 vegetable growing villages out of 22 in the first stage and the 60 growers from selected villages through proportional allocation method in the second and final stage of sampling. A random sample of five local traders operating in the study area was taken to estimate the losses at trader's level. The total physical post-harvest loss of 18.97 kg per q equivalent to monetary loss of Rs 462 was found to be maximum in broccoli followed by cauliflower with a physical loss of 18.96 kg per q (Rs 331 per q) and cabbage with a physical loss of 18.38 kg per q (Rs 250 per q). The functional analysis revealed that inadequate transportation, long distance from farm to road head, pre-harvest disease occurrence and inadequate storage significantly affected the post-harvest losses. Thus basic infrastructural facilities such as all weather roads, controlled atmosphere storage (CAS) and modern market yards need to be developed in this difficult area. Scientific community from nearby public/private institutes should frequently visit the area to inform and interact with the farmers so that they become aware of cost effective methods to prevent post-harvest losses.