Economic analysis of post harvest losses in onion in Ajmer district of Rajasthan

Abstract

A study was undertaken to examine the nature and extent of post-harvest losses in onion supply chain in the Ajmer district which is major onion district of Rajasthan. A total sample size of 75 onion growers, 20 wholesalers and 25 retailers were taken from Ajmer district. Maximum aggregate post-harvest losses (22.76 kg/q) have been found at producer level due to faulty storage, lack of adequate transportation, drying, improper handling of the produce at the time of marketing, rotted bulbs, doubles, bolters, poor packing facilities, injury at the time of harvesting and de-topping. Total losses in the supply chain were estimated to be 28.95 kg/q and (78.62%) losses were observed at farm level and rest were contributed at wholesale and retail level. The farm level post harvest losses excluding the losses at farm level storage for Ajmer district was estimated to be 747.82q for the year 2009-10.