Assessing post-harvest losses in value chain of wheat farmers in district Shikarpur, Sindh

Abstract

Wheat plays a vital role in ensuring food security and economic livelihood in Pakistan, yet significant post-harvest and value chain losses hinder its productivity, particularly in District Shikarpur, Sindh. This study was conducted to investigate the extent, causes, and consequences of these losses along the wheat value chain and to propose practical interventions for mitigation. The research was carried out in two selected talukas of Shikarpur District, covering four Union Councils with a sample of 120 wheat farmers (30 from each UC). Data were collected through structured personal interviews using the KoboCollect tool for real-time data recording. Findings revealed a series of interconnected challenges across the value chain. In the pre-harvest phase, 77.5% of farmers reported a lack of modern machinery for land preparation, while 75.83% faced high costs of certified seed, and 80.83% were burdened by the high cost of fertilizer. Water shortages (55.83%) and poor access to pesticide application equipment (65.83%) further constrained production. During the harvesting stage, delays (43.33%), labor shortages (53.33%), and high harvesting costs (57.5%) were commonly cited. Post-harvest losses were primarily attributed to inefficient threshing machinery (85%), use of low-quality storage bags (42.5%), and rodent attacks during storage (70%). Additionally, 63.33% of respondents lacked access to credit, and 74.17% reported insufficient farmer training factors that cut across all stages of the value chain and significantly limited farmers’ capacity to adopt improved practices. Most respondents were middle-aged, married males with modest educational backgrounds, managing small to medium-sized farms under tenancy arrangements. Mono-cropping dominated the region, and while agriculture remained the primary income source, many households also depended on livestock and wage labor. The study underscores the urgent need for investment in farmer education, affordable and timely access to inputs, modern machinery, and improved storage and transportation infrastructure. Targeted interventions at each stage of the wheat value chain can reduce post-harvest losses and enhance overall productivity and profitability in the region.