Pakistan could be losing crops worth as much as Rs. 3.52 trillion due to post-harvest losses, highlighting a major challenge for the country’s agricultural economy. Estimates suggest that between 20 and 40 percent of crops are lost after harvesting, reducing farmers’ earnings and the value of agricultural production.
The issue was highlighted by Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) Chairman Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu during the “Mission $100 Billion” conference. He outlined the scale of Pakistan’s agricultural sector and the financial impact of crop losses occurring after harvest.
According to the figures presented at the conference, agriculture contributes 23.44 percent to Pakistan’s gross domestic product (GDP). The total value of the country’s crops is estimated at approximately Rs. 8.8 trillion, making the sector a significant part of the national economy.
However, a substantial share of this value may be lost before agricultural produce reaches consumers or markets. Poor storage, transportation challenges, inadequate handling facilities and limited access to modern post-harvest infrastructure can contribute to losses across agricultural supply chains.
The financial impact is considerable. Based on the estimated crop value of Rs. 8.8 trillion, every percentage point of post-harvest losses represents approximately Rs. 88 billion in lost value.
At a loss rate of 20 percent, the estimated value of wasted crops would reach around Rs. 1.76 trillion. If losses rise to 40 percent, the figure could approach Rs. 3.52 trillion, illustrating the economic consequences of inefficiencies after harvesting.
These estimates demonstrate why reducing post-harvest losses is important for farmers, agricultural businesses and the wider economy. Crops that are damaged, spoiled or improperly stored may lose market value, leaving farmers with lower returns despite the costs of seeds, fertilizer, irrigation, labour and other inputs.
The problem can also affect the availability and affordability of food. When a large share of harvested produce fails to reach markets in suitable condition, less food remains available for sale. Depending on the crop and market conditions, this can put additional pressure on supply chains and consumer prices.
Improving storage infrastructure could help address some of these challenges. Modern warehouses, temperature-controlled facilities and suitable grain storage systems can protect agricultural produce from spoilage and damage. Better transport arrangements and improved handling practices may also help farmers deliver crops to markets in better condition.
Investment in cold-chain facilities could be particularly useful for perishable products such as fruits and vegetables. Meanwhile, improved drying, grading, packaging and storage practices could help protect other crops and reduce avoidable losses.
Better coordination between farmers, buyers, processors and distributors may also strengthen agricultural supply chains. Access to training, modern equipment and appropriate post-harvest technologies could help producers retain more of the value generated by their work.
Reducing crop losses would not automatically eliminate the wider challenges facing Pakistan’s agricultural sector. Farmers also face production costs, water management concerns, market fluctuations and other risks. However, protecting crops after harvest could help preserve a greater share of the value already produced.
The estimates shared at the “Mission $100 Billion” conference underline the potential economic benefits of addressing post-harvest inefficiencies. Even a modest reduction in losses could preserve billions of rupees in agricultural value, although the actual savings would depend on crop types, market prices and the effectiveness of measures introduced.
For Pakistan, improving post-harvest management could become an important part of efforts to strengthen agricultural productivity, support farmers’ incomes and reduce waste across the food supply chain.