Question

Wastage of fresh fruits and vegetables is estimated to be to the extent of

• A. 5-10%
• B. 20-25%
• C. 40-45%
• D. 50-60%

Hint:

In questions about agricultural statistics, look for the most reasonable and commonly cited figure. Extremely low or extremely high percentages are often distractors. Post-harvest loss is a major problem, so the figure will be significant, making 20-25% a plausible answer.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Issue: 
The question seeks the estimated percentage of post-harvest losses for fresh fruits and vegetables in India, a crucial aspect of the agricultural supply chain. 
 

Step 2: Breakdown: 
Significant post-harvest losses in India stem from inadequate infrastructure (e.g., cold storage, refrigerated transport), poor handling, and fragmented supply chains. While the exact percentage varies, a common estimate from government reports and academic literature for the overall wastage of horticultural produce falls between 20% and 30%. \[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{5-10\% is too low, typical of developed countries with advanced cold chains.} \\ \bullet & \text{40-60\% represents higher estimates for highly perishable crops under specific adverse conditions, generally too high for an overall average.} \\ \bullet & \text{The 20-25\% range is a widely accepted, frequently cited conservative estimate reflecting significant wastage.} \\ \end{array}\]

Step 3: Conclusion: 
The wastage of fresh fruits and vegetables is generally estimated at 20-25%, although it can be higher for specific commodities.