Our industry 2014 - (Page 24)
02 Sustainable agricultural systems
24
Improving productivity
However, there is also a need to reduce inefficiencies that occur in the current
In developing countries
production system. Around 40% of all food produced is never used. Much of it
is wasted during the post-harvest process which is effectively a waste of the
resources invested in the crop: the land, water and nutrients needed to grow
the crop. Another significant portion is thrown away by consumers and retailers.
40% of grain losses
occur post-harvest
An estimated 30 -50% of food is lost or wasted in the chain
(around 1.3 billion tons annually)
Estimated range of avoidable losses and waste by stage globally
110-140%
10-40%*
2-10 %
100%
5-30%**
1-5%
1-5 %
10-30 %
50-70%
~30-50%
Potential
production
Yield gap
Harvest loss
Production
Post-harvest
loss
Processing
loss
Distribution
waste
Consumer
waste
Consumed
* Up to 100% possible if all technologies are implemented together, based on selected crop and country combinations
** Represents average range; certain crop and location combinations may see up to 50% post-harvest loss
Sources: FAO; Syngenta
Crop losses in fields can be addressed by applying better products and using
more effective practices, so that the yield gap is closed and valuable production
is not lost during the harvest process. In Africa, insects and weeds destroy an
estimated 25% of the crop. Post-harvest losses can be addressed with in-farm
and out-farm solutions.
By focusing on post-harvest crop protection products and increasing the
efficacy of the supply chain, we can help combat some of the issues related
to storage, transportation and processing losses.
In the area of smallholder farming, this is particularly important given the
number of smallholders who live on the edge of food security. If we are able
to successfully address some of these challenges, we can have a significant
impact on the livelihoods of many people.
Insects and weeds
destroy ~25% of crops
in Africa
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