Document Type : scientific research article
Authors
1
2- Associate Professor, Department of Plant Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Higher Educational Complex of Saravan, Iran, P.O. Box 9951634145.
2
Faculty of Plant Production, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources
3
Faculty of Plant Production, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Iran
4
Department of Weed Research, Iranian Plant Protection Research Institute
Abstract
Estimation of post-harvest losses/wastes for agricultural products in Iran
Background and Objectives: Reducing the loss of agricultural products not only, increase the supply of food for the people, but also, reduce the cost of importing food and reduce the loss of resources in Iran. Therefore. In order to reducing losses/wastes, it is necessary to know their quantity in different products.
Materials and methods: This study was conducted in order to estimate the percentage and amount of losses/wastes of agricultural products in the food basket of Iranian people. In our study, the difference between per capita consumption of agricultural products and per capita supply was considered as the sum of per capita losses and other expenses. By calculating the amount of other uses for agricultural products and deducting it from the total per capita losses/wastes and other uses, the per capita amount of losses/wastes for each agricultural product was obtained.
Findings: The results showed that the percentage of post-harvest losses/wastes for wheat, white rice, legumes, potatoes is, oil, Sugar, fruit, vegetables, meat, chicken, eggs, milk and fishis 15, 10.4, 10, 19.8, 11.5, 23.9, 57.5, 54, 11.2, 12.2, 11.8, 9.1 and 2.8%, respectively. Annually, 283.30 million tons of agricultural products produced in Iran (30.3% of the total production of agricultural products in the country) are lost due to losses/wastes. . Annually, 283.30 million tons of agricultural products produced in Iran (30.3% of the total production of agricultural products in the country) are lost due to losses/wastes. This amount of loss/waste of agricultural products is equivalent to the waste of 3.393 million hectares of cultivated area (24% of the total cultivated area in Iran) and 25.119 billion cubic meters of water in the country (29% of the total water consumed in the agricultural sector in iran).This amount of loss/waste of agricultural products is equivalent to the waste of 3.393 million hectares of cultivated area (24% of the total cultivated area in Iran) and 25.119 billion cubic meters of water in the country (29% of the total water consumed in the agricultural sector in iran).
Findings: The results showed that the percentage of post-harvest losses/wastes for wheat, white rice, legumes, potatoes is, oil, Sugar, fruit, vegetables, meat, chicken, eggs, milk and fishis 15, 10.4, 10, 19.8, 11.5, 23.9, 57.5, 54, 11.2, 12.2, 11.8, 9.1 and 2.8%, respectively. Annually, 283.30 million tons of agricultural products produced in Iran (30.3% of the tot
Conclusion: Therefore, the policy makers by having the information related to losses/wastes for each of the agricultural products in iran, can estimate the the waste of water and land resources and determine priorities to reduce losses for different products.
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