How IoT Technology Can Help Farmers Minimise Post-Harvest Losses Of Fresh Produce

Post-harvest losses are a significant obstacle for the Indian agricultural sector. According to a report by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, India loses approximately 30 percent of its agricultural produce due to post-harvest losses annually. This is due to a number of factors, including insufficient storage and transportation infrastructure, inefficient handling practices, and a lack of market access. Post-harvest losses have a disproportionately negative impact on small-scale farmers because they frequently lack the infrastructure and resources needed to effectively store and transport their produce. Consequently, much of the produce is wasted, resulting in decreased incomes and food insecurity.

With the advent of technology in agriculture, it is impossible to disregard the expanding use of IoT in various ways. IoT technology can assist farmers in reducing post-harvest produce losses. Here are some examples:

1. Real time monitoring: IoT sensors can be used to monitor the environment and conditions under which crops are stored and transported in real time. This can include temperature, humidity, and other environmental factors that affect the quality and expiration life of produce. By monitoring conditions in real time, producers can take immediate corrective action if problems are detected.

2. Predictive analytics: IoT data can be utilized to analyze patterns and predict prospective problems in advance. By analyzing temperature and humidity data, for instance, producers can anticipate when spoilage is likely to occur and take preventative measures to reduce losses.

3. Remote monitoring: The Internet of Things enables producers to remotely monitor their crops and storage facilities from any location. This allows them to monitor their produce even when they are not physically present, allowing them to respond swiftly to any issues that may arise.

4. Automation: IoT technology can be used to automate certain post-harvest operations, such as sorting and classifying, thereby reducing labour costs and enhancing productivity. This can also help minimise handling and decrease the likelihood of produce damage.

When employing IoT-based solutions, farmers may encounter a number of obstacles. Here are some instances:

1. Financial barriers- Cost is one of the primary obstacle farmers facewhen implementing IoT-based solutions. Numerous of these solutions require substantial hardware, software, and infrastructure investments up front. This can be a significant impediment to adoption for small-scale producers who lack access to financing.

2. Poor Internet Connectivity: Connectivity is an additional obstacle that farmers may face when implementing IoT-based solutions. Many of these solutions necessitate a dependable internet connection in order to transmit data and obtain recommendations. This can be a significant obstacle in rural areas where internet connectivity may be limited or unreliable.

3. Lack of technical expertise:Certain IoT-based solutions require a certain level of technical expertise for installation, configuration, and maintenance. This can be a significant difficulty for producers who lack access to technical support.

4. Data privacy and security: IoT-based solutions frequently involve the collection and transmission of sensitive data, including crop yield, soil moisture, and weather data. Farmers may be concerned about the privacy and security of this information, particularly if it is transmitted over the internet.

5. Adoption and utilization: Lastly, even if farmers are capable of overcoming the aforementioned obstacles and adopting an IoT-based solution, they may still encounter utilization-related challenges. Farmers may not understand how to utilize the solution effectively or may not see its value, leading to underutilization,limited impact on their operations, and post-harvest losses.

IoT technology can help farmers improve the quality and shelf life of their produce, reduce post-harvest losses, and boost the efficiency of their post-harvest operations. By providing real-time data and insights, producers can make more informed decisions and take proactive measures to ensure that their crops reach their intended market in optimal condition.

The article is written by Rachna Dave, CEO & Founder, MicroGO