Post-Harvest Losses for Onions

New Delhi, 29 September 2026: Farmers in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra lose nearly 1.69 million tonnes of rabi onions annually in storage, a new study launched by WRI India reveals. Reducing these losses presents an opportunity to protect farmers’ incomes — avoiding economic losses estimated at Rs 2,711 crore and associated greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, the study states.

The study, “Counting the Uncounted for People and Climate: Post-Harvest Losses in Soyabean, Custard Apple and Onion in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra” was launched on September 29, marking the International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste. Led by WRI India, with partners BAIF Development Research Foundation, Samunnati, and Centre for Advanced Research and Development, the study examines post-harvest losses for onion, soyabean and custard apple, across harvesting, sorting, transportation, storage and handling in select high-production districts of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh.

Talking about the research, Dr. Nitya Sharma, Senior Program Manager – Food Loss and Waste, Food, Land and Water, WRI India, said, “We wanted to understand not only where and how much food is lost, but also why these losses occur and the circumstances in which farmers, collectors and other supply chain actors make decisions. This helped us identify practical actions to reduce losses, as well as the support needed to enable their adoption.”

The study identifies critical loss point for rabi onions, soyabean and custard apple. The authors also highlight opportunities to improve curing and storage practices for onions, harvesting and threshing for soyabean, and harvesting and handling for custard apple.

The working paper was launched at the first session of the “Food Forward 2026," a three-part webinar series hosted as a part of the Friends of Champions 12.3 India Network. The series focuses on reducing food loss and food waste in India, bringing together research, innovations and practitioners to explore pathways towards more resilient, sustainable and efficient food systems.

About WRI India

WRI India, an independent knowledge organisation registered as India Resources Trust, provides objective information and practical proposals to foster environmentally sound and socially equitable development. Through research, analysis, and recommendations, WRI India puts ideas into action to build transformative solutions to protect the earth, promote livelihoods, and enhance human well-being. Know more: wri-india.org

For more information, please contact:

Satbhan Singh | [email protected]

Shweta Prajapati | [email protected]