Mangoes being loaded at Nuzvid railway station, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh. File
| Photograph Credit score: The Hindu
India ranks second in international agriculture manufacturing, however its share in international agricultural exports is simply 2.4%, inserting it eighth on the earth. That is attributed to a number of elements that embody low productiveness, an incapacity to satisfy desired high quality requirements and inefficiencies within the provide chain similar to an insufficient transportation community and infrastructure, which additionally results in important post-harvest losses.
India’s post-harvest losses quantity to roughly ₹1,52,790 crore yearly, in accordance with a Ministry of Meals Processing Industries 2022 examine. As India’s inhabitants continues to develop, the problem of assembly the meals and diet demand of its folks will proceed to accentuate. Whereas rising extra meals is a part of the answer, the prevention of post-harvest losses is essential.
A better have a look at India’s post-harvest loss
The most important loss is from perishable commodities, which embody livestock produce similar to eggs, fish and meat (22%), fruits (19%) and greens (18%). Through the export of perishables, roughly 19% of meals is misplaced, significantly on the import-country (commerce accomplice) stage. Storage, transportation and advertising and marketing play a essential position in guaranteeing that perishable merchandise attain the buyer in time. The strengthening of agri-logistics is recognised as a precedence by the Committee on Doubling Farmer’s Earnings (DFI).
There are a number of logistical necessities in a single provide chain. Beginning with first mile transport from farmgate to mandi (wholesale/retail), lengthy haul or wholesale transportation by rail, highway, water or air, and final mile transportation to the buyer. The commerce of perishables faces a time scarcity as soon as the crop is harvested. The newest agriculture Census exhibits that 86% of farmers in India are small and marginal (SMF). They battle to realize economic system of scale as a result of small manufacturing. Along with a scarcity of assured market connectivity, this leads to post-harvest losses, which incorporates earnings losses for the farmers.
In India, meals value volatility has been brought about partly by provide constraints affecting perishable produce. As in a NITI Aayog report, the income of the Indian Railways is primarily pushed by freight transport, which incorporates commodities similar to iron, metal, fertilizers and agricultural produce. Within the 2022 fiscal yr, it accounted for 75% of its complete earnings. The Indian Railways effectively connects city centres and rural areas throughout the nation. The Meals Company of India is closely depending on the Indian Railways to maneuver roughly 90% of its meals grains. In distinction, about 97% of vegetables and fruit are transported by highway.
Initiatives by the Railways
The Indian Railways has taken just a few initiatives to enhance its freight operations in perishables. The truck-on-train service carries loaded vehicles on railway wagons. Efforts are being made to increase this service following profitable trial runs involving commodities similar to milk and cattle feed. Through the COVID-19 pandemic, the Railways launched parcel particular trains to move perishables and seeds between market and producers.
Moreover, to help SMFs, the Kisan Rail was initiated to attach perishables (inclusive of milk, meat and fish) manufacturing surplus areas to consumption areas extra effectively. A latest examine highlighted the affect of the Kisan Rail scheme on decreasing post-harvest losses and enhancing farmer incomes in India. For instance, grape growers in Nashik, Maharashtra, secured a web revenue of ₹5,000 per quintal by supplying about 22,000 quintals utilizing Kisan Rail. This highlights the benefit of utilizing rail-based long-haul of vegetables and fruit.
In latest instances, the position of the Railways within the agricultural sector has proven promising outcomes. Nevertheless, initiatives should additionally give attention to rising consciousness and accessibility of farmers to out there Railway schemes. Pals of Champions 12.3 India, a coalition of meals provide chain actors powered by WRI India, additionally recognized that a number of contact factors through the transport of perishables utilizing the Railways is a problem.
Subsequently, funding in specialised wagons for temperature-controlled transport and the institution of rail-side amenities for secure cargo dealing with are important. This might additionally current a big alternative to boost meals security within the agriculture sector, by minimising spoilage and contamination dangers, thereby supporting each home and export markets. Additional, the DFI committee recommends streamlining loading and unloading processes to minimise transit instances. It additionally emphasises addressing staffing shortages by recruitment and coaching initiatives. Prioritising the Railways over roadways, significantly for fruit and vegetable transportation, guarantees environment friendly transportation.
Untapped alternatives
The Railways gives an incredible alternative to cut back post-harvest losses and positively affect not simply livelihoods but additionally the surroundings. Findings from the Logistics Division, Ministry of Commerce, state that the Indian Railways generates as much as 80% much less carbon dioxide for freight visitors than highway transport.
There’s a want for adopting systems-based strategy, slicing throughout modes of transport and geographies. The non-public sector can play a vital position in enhancing operational effectivity and strengthening the rail infrastructure by public-private partnerships. The budgetary allocation for agriculture 2024 additionally goals to bridge the farm-to-market hole with fashionable infrastructure and value-addition help. Such Railway initiatives complement these efforts by supporting the environment friendly transportation of perishable items and minimising post-harvest losses.
Shweta Lamba is Program Supervisor, Meals, Land and Water program at WRI India. Nitya Sharma is Program Supervisor, Meals, Land and Water program at WRI India. The views expressed are private
