Post harvest losses in potato and factors affecting post harvest losses at farm level in Chhattisgarh

Abstract

The present study has examined post harvest losses in potato, factors affecting post harvest losses at farm level and constraints in the post harvest management of potato. Multi-stage sampling design was adopted for the ultimate selection of potato growing farmers and market functionaries. Bilaspur district was selected purposively based on maximum area of potato under Chhattisgarh plain region. 100 farmers were sampled from ten villages of Bilha and Masturi block (5 Villages each) of Bilaspur district. 20 retailers and 5 wholesalers were also sampled from the district to estimate post harvest losses at market level. Post harvest losses at farm level were estimated to be 9.40 quintals per hectare. It have been reported that total post harvest losses at market level was found 5.95 kg/q out of which contribution of losses at wholesaler and retailer level was 3.27 and 2.68 kg/q respectively. Weather, timely labour availability and storage facility was found significant factors affecting post harvest losses at farm level negatively.