International Journal of Modern Agricultural Sciences and Technology

This study examines the concept of food security in developing countries, particularly India, from the perspective of post-harvest loss (PHL) reduction. Food security remains a serious challenge amid rapid global population growth and limited resources. Simply increasing production is not enough, as 25-40% of food is lost after harvest during storage, transportation, processing, and marketing. This loss directly impacts availability, accessibility, utilization, and sustainability all four dimensions of food security. The study presents definitions, measurement methods, and a conceptual analysis of the interrelationships between food security and post-harvest losses. Globally, approximately one-third of food production is lost annually, negatively impacting nutrition, income, and social stability in developing countries. In India, lack of storage infrastructure, technological backwardness, market disorganization, climate risks, and the limitations of smallholder farmers are key factors. Technological innovation, cold storage, improved transportation; market reforms, policy support, and community participation have been identified as effective strategies for PHL mitigation. Examples from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu demonstrate that appropriate policy, infrastructure, and training can significantly reduce losses. In conclusion, reducing post-harvest losses is a powerful tool for increasing food availability, ensuring price stability, and strengthening rural livelihoods.