Post-Harvest Loss Mitigation Gaps (Handling and Quality)

Problem Statement

Post-harvest losses are high (often 10-40% for perishables) due to rough handling, improper packaging, lack of standardised grading, and poor monitoring during transit.

Innovation Opportunities

• Smart Packaging and Loss Reduction Technology: Development of bio-degradable, active packaging solutions that extend shelf life, and low-cost sensors for monitoring shock, temperature, and gas composition during transport.
• AI-Based Automated Grading and Sorting: Implementation of computer vision systems for automated, fast, and accurate grading/sorting of fruits and vegetables based on size, colour, and defects, ensuring consistent quality.
• Real-Time Digital Quality Control Checkpoints: Platforms that enable mandatory digital recording and verification of produce quality (e.g., moisture content, size grade) at every point from farm gate to warehouse.

Use Case Example

At the collection centre, newly harvested mangoes are passed through an AI grader that sorts them into export, premium, and local grades, and records the percentage distribution in the farmer's digital logbook.