Topic: Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country, – different types of irrigation and irrigation systems storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related constraints; e-technology in the aid of farmers.
3. Analyse in detail the significance of post-harvest technology and value addition in agricultural crops. (250 words)
Reference: www.fao.org
Why the question:
The question is premised on the importance of post-harvest technology and value addition in agricultural crops.
Key Demand of the question:
Discuss the significance of post-harvest technology and value addition in agricultural crops in India.
Directive:
Analyze – When asked to analyse, you have to examine methodically the structure or nature of the topic by separating it into component parts and present them as a whole in a summary.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Start by explaining what you understand by post-harvest technology and value addition in agricultural crops.
Body:
One should first discuss in detail the importance of technology to agricultural systems.
Then discuss the nature and causes of post-harvest losses of crops in the country across various sectors of agriculture such as horticulture, sericulture, floriculture etc. Losses occur after harvesting is known as post-harvest losses. It starts first from the field, after harvest, in grading and packing areas, in storage, during transportation and in the wholesale and retail markets. Several losses occur because of poor facilities, lack of know-how, poor management, market dysfunction or simply the carelessness of farmers.
Then discuss how use of technology and value-addition can prevent such losses.
Conclusion:
Suggest examples and conclude on a positive note.
