Quantifying Nutritional and Economic Losses in Post-Harvest Soybean Handling: A Case Study from Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max) is a vital leguminous crop, widely cultivated for its high protein and oil content, making it an essential component in both the global food and livestock feed industries. In India, Madhya Pradesh stands as a major producer of soybean, contributing significantly to the agricultural economy. However, soybean production faces substantial challenges during the harvest and post-harvest stages, leading to considerable losses in both quantity and quality. This research investigates the post-harvest losses of soybean across different farm sizes in Madhya Pradesh, examining losses during threshing, winnowing, drying, storage, transportation, and other post-harvest activities. The study highlights that the total losses are more significant during post-harvest processes compared to the harvesting stage, with large farmers experiencing the highest losses. Additionally, this research quantifies both physical and monetary losses, revealing a direct correlation between farm size and the magnitude of these losses. Beyond physical degradation, the study also accounts for biochemical/nutritional losses such as reductions in protein quality, essential fatty acids, and vitamin content due to exposure to heat, oxygen, and microbial activity. These hidden losses further compromise the food and feed value of soybean. Addressing these losses through improved techniques and infrastructure could play a crucial role in enhancing the sustainability and profitability of soybean farming in the region.