Yield Loss in Major Food Crops of Eastern India: A Review

Abstract

Yield loss is a major issue in agricultural sector seeking immediate attention in order to provide food security to continuously increasing population. An estimated loss of 23 million tonnes of food cereals, 12 milliont of fruits and 21 milliont of vegetables are reported each year, with a total estimated value of Rs 240 billion. The current review paper examines the factors causing yield loss in major cereal crops i.e rice, wheat and maize. The studies conducted by different authors on yield loss due to weed, disease & pest infestation and post-harvest loss were critically reviewed and major inferences has been drawn for eastern region. It was estimated that pre and post-harvest yield losses in rice, wheat and maize were 32.6 %, 22.65 % and 18.75 %, respectively in eastern region of the country. Using minimum support price of selected crops, the monetary loss was estimated to the tune of Rs 300 billion for rice and Rs 84.1 and 14.7 billion in case of wheat and maize. These losses can be minimized by technical interventions on farmers' field in the form of effective weed management practices, plant protection measures and controlling post-harvest loss in storage.