Agriculture, especially in India, has always been the most crucial occupation, primarily due to the large size of our population. For a country with over 1.3 billion citizens, agriculture and related occupations not only ensure food security but also provide livelihood to 58% of the population.
However, despite witnessing steady progress in farm production and practices, the agricultural sector has always been under the scanner for its weak value chain and enormous post-harvest losses. These losses are not limited to highly perishable items such as fruits and vegetables. Grains, an integral part of Indian staple diet, also suffer huge wastage in post-harvest operations. Grains are not only the source of major nutrients, but also serve as the most accessible food item, especially for the underprivileged. Grain wastage adversely impacts our nation’s food security, productivity, well-being and economic growth. However, the repercussions are much more severe than the obvious. Besides hampering food availability in a nation as large as ours, post-harvest losses also cause severe and long-lasting damage to the environment.
Post-harvest losses and its impact on climate
Agriculture is an intensive occupation that requires not only financial resources but also utilizes significant amounts of natural resources. Food production itself is responsible for one-quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, any amount of post-harvest losses, not only contribute to resource wastage but also add to harmful emissions. Such lapses in the agricultural value chain pose serious threat to food security and the environment.
According to studies, one-quarter of food emissions come from food that is never eaten. Of this, 15% of the emissions are from food losses in the supply chain. According to FAO, of all food categories, grains are the highest contributor to the carbon footprint.
Moreover, it is also important to note that the adverse impact of food losses on the climate is not a one-way process. Food wastage harms the environment and creates extreme weather conditions, which in turn deteriorates soil health and productivity. This vicious cycle puts huge stress on the agri ecosystem.
Origo’s endeavour to reduce adverse effects on climate
For over a decade, Origo Commodities has been dedicatedly working to eliminate post-harvest losses in the agricultural value chain. Origo endeavours to contribute to sustainable development, with a strong emphasis on eliminating food wastage, thereby reducing adverse impact on the environment. Our focus areas are:
Strengthening the value chain
One of the primary reasons for a weak value chain is the presence of several intermediaries. This not only hampers better price realization for growers, but also results in multiples rounds of handling of the produce, leading to quality deterioration and wastage.
Origo has established a strong network of suppliers across India. By removal of intermediaries, we strive to bridge the gap between suppliers and buyers, aiding quality retention and reduction in food losses.
Timely procurement and logistics support
The longer the harvested produce is left unattended, higher are the chances of its damage. Quality cannot be improved after harvest, but only be maintained. With its strong network and expertise, Origo ensures direct farmgate procurement, making it quick and effective. Our quality assaying services and logistics support helps proper segregation, packaging and transport of commodity in the best possible manner.
Promoting scientific storage
Lack of proper storage facility is a primary concern in the post-harvest operations. Nothing damages harvested produce as fast as open and improper storage. Poor storage exposes the commodity to fungus, moisture, pollution and insect infestation. This can damage huge quantities of produce in no time. Origo’s extensive warehousing network provides storage space across India, facilitating longer shelf-life and preventing commodity wastage. With scientific storage techniques, Origo ensures zero wastage compared to an average of 10% losses in the post-harvest supply chain.
Origo Commodities has cumulatively reduced the food grain wastage up to 3 million tonnes. This has effectively reduced approximately 2.3 mega tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.
Key factors contributing to Origo’s robust mechanism
Extensive Outreach: Origo is present in 22 states across India and has a strong network suppliers and buyers.
Rural Expertise: By working closely with the rural community for over 10 years, Origo has developed a strong rapport with the local stakeholders in Indian agricultural space. Besides, we have a strong team of professionals who have vast experience of working in rural setups and the agri domain.
Strong Warehouse Network: Origo has more than 650 warehouses across various states.
Latest Technology: Backed by blockchain technology, Origo is providing a platform that not only encourages easy traceability but also ensure adherence to standard operating procedures.
The results have been encouraging
With an extensive outreach, in-depth understanding of the rural ecosystem and end-to-end solutions, Origo has earned a reputation as a trustworthy service provider in the post-harvest segment. Since its inception, Origo has steadily expanded its capacity to handle agricultural commodities and has significantly reduced food losses. Till date, we have managed over 25 million tonnes of commodity and reduced food grain wastage totaling to 3 million tonnes. This has effectively reduced approximately 2.3 mega tonnes of CO2 emissions.
Origo is committed to promoting a sustainable approach to agriculture that empowers stakeholders in the value chain and also reduces stress on the environment. By eliminating food losses in agriculture, we strive to mitigate climate change and create a better world for future generations.
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