The Losses in the Rice Harvest Process: A Review

Abstract

We review existing studies on rice harvest loss from the aspects of estimation methods, magnitudes, causes, effects, and interventions. The harvest losses examined occurred from the field reaping to storage processes, including threshing, winnowing, and field transportation. We find that existing studies on rice harvest losses have focused on quantitative losses in Asia and Africa. Lack of knowledge, inadequate harvesting techniques, poor infrastructure, and inefficient harvest management practices are considered critical contributors to the losses. The magnitudes and causes of rice harvest losses are now better understood than interventions, which have simply been presented but lack an assessment of the effects and a cost–benefit analysis. Interestingly, reduction in harvest losses may threaten some farmers’ profits, such as rural women who make their living from post-production manual operations. Considering the current status of the literature, future researchers should examine how to balance social and individual welfare since farmers are key stakeholders in intervention implementation. A good understanding of the existing researches can help clarify future efforts for loss reduction, thereby reducing the burden of increasing agricultural production and promoting sustainable development of resources and the environment.

Impacts of work attitude of outsourcing services on food losses: evidence from rice harvest in China

“…The first task in estimating the rice harvest losses is to clarify the specific stages of the losses. Existing studies have not unified the start-and end-points of the harvest losses when estimating the rice harvest losses and have considered various estimated stages, including reaping, threshing, winnowing, and transportation (Qu et al, 2021a). The use of combine harvesters consolidates inseparably the reaping, threshing, and winnowing operations.…”

On‐farm cropping sensor‐based smart device for cutting energy measurement of cereal crops

“…(2005) reported that in low land rice ( Oryza sativa L.) production, mechanical harvesting operations accounted for 32.6% of total operational energy consumption because of large fuel consumption. Furthermore, significant crop losses can also occur during the harvesting stage due to improper design or varying operational parameters (Bomoi et al., 2022; D. Wang et al., 2021; Esin et al., 2021; Liang et al., 2017; Ndindeng et al., 2021; Priya et al., 2019; Qu et al., 2021; Rajaiah et al., 2018; Rajaiah et al., 2020; Stathers et al., 2020). Patel et al.…”

“…Furthermore, significant crop losses can also occur during the harvesting stage due to improper design or varying operational parameters (Bomoi et al, 2022;D. Wang et al, 2021;Esin et al, 2021;Liang et al, 2017;Ndindeng et al, 2021;Priya et al, 2019;Qu et al, 2021;Rajaiah et al, 2018;Rajaiah et al, 2020;Stathers et al, 2020). Patel et al (2018) reported total grain losses in the range of 20-25 kg ha -1 as speed of harvesting operation increased from 1.9 to 2.5 km h -1 .…”

Cocoa‐associated filamentous fungi for the biocontrol of aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus

“…In tandem with increased food production, guarding against postharvest crop losses are a key consideration in efforts toward the achievement of enhanced global food safety and security. Across the world, and particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa, postharvest losses are estimated to be up to 50% of annual crop production [6,7]. The growth of microorganisms, mainly filamentous fungi, is a prominent factor that renders crops unsuitable for human consumption; generally causing accumulation of mycotoxins, unsightly appearance, changes in organoleptic properties, and spoilage [8,9].…”