Year: 2026 | Month: March | Volume 71 | Issue 1
Assessment of Post-harvest Losses in Chickpea Production: Evidence from Kurnool District of Andhra Pradesh
Gali Krishna Chaithanya
Yalagala Chiranjeevi
Abid Sultan and Bhagyalaxmi Sahu
DOI:10.46852/0424-2513.1.2026.7
Abstract:
The study assesses the magnitude and determinants of post-harvest losses in chickpea production in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh using primary data collected from 80 farmers, 10 wholesalers, and 10 retailers through a multi-stage sampling framework. Both tabular and functional analyses were employed to estimate losses and examine their economic impact across the supply chain. The results indicate that the average post-harvest loss of chickpea is 6.4 kg per quintal, with the highest losses occurring during harvesting and drying stages. Regression results show that harvesting, threshing, and marketing losses significantly reduce farm income. At the farm level, weather conditions, availability of threshing machines, and timely labour significantly influence losses, while at the intermediary level, quantity handled, storage duration, and transportation constraints are key determinants. The study highlights the need for improved post-harvest management practices and infrastructure to minimize losses and enhance farmers’ income.
Highlights
- Average post-harvest loss of chickpea is 6.4 kg per quintal.
- Harvesting and drying stages account for the highest losses.
- Post-harvest losses significantly reduce farmers’ income.
- Weather, labour, storage, and transport are key determinants.
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