A Study on Post-harvest Losses of Royal Delicious Apple in Different Marketing Channels at Seraj Valley, Himachal Pradesh, India

The present study was conducted in the year 2022-23, to analyse the post-harvest losses occurred in different marketing channels of “Royal delicious” variety of apple. The data were collected by using survey method, with the help of questionnaire by interviewing the respondents personally. A sample of 80 apple growers (54 marginal, 17 small and 9 semi medium farmers) was taken, and the existing marketing channels (Channel I,II,III) were identified. Channel I (Producer – Primary market retailer – Consumer), Channel II (Producer – Wholesaler – Secondary market retailer – Consumer) and Channel III (Producer – Pre-harvest contractor – Wholesaler – Secondary market retailer – Consumer). Out of total 145 market functionaries a sample of 20% i.e. 30 market functionaries were selected randomly. It was revealed that, on an average a total of 12.4% of produce was lost per quintal of produce i.e. 12.4 kg/quintal, with Channel III having highest average post-harvest losses 17.4% of produce lost per quintal of produce. In Channel II the average post-harvest losses were found 14.05% loss per quintal of produce. And the Channel I had the minimum post-harvest losses of just 5.75% loss per quintal of produce. In economic terms, average loss of Rs. 744/quintal was observed at the price of Rs. 60/kg. It was concluded that marketing channel III was having highest losses because of more middlemen in the channel and by looking into the channel, at wholesaler level there were having the highest loss. These losses can be minimized by having more cold storage facilities, and quick dispose of produce from producer to consumer.