Challenges for producers, traders, and handlers are always present. Here are some of the factors that can affect post-harvest management: Agricultural inputs and structures are hard to obtain. The lack of infrastructure, proper knowledge, and the right technology can hugely affect yield and, resulting from this, income. Investments on seeds, fertilizers, and other important pre-harvest inputs can go to waste if post-harvest handling is not done properly. For smallholder farmers, the lack of financial support can break their livelihood. A single year’s poor harvest can amount to a loss of decades’ worth of savings. This can be avoided by placing secure and reliable post-harvest systems. Financial support from both non-government organizations and government bodies can also give the difference needed by these farmers to have a successful, sustainable operation. Gender inequalities also play a role in agricultural challenges. Women farmers are often given less assistance and opportunities than what they actually need. Land ownership, as well as access to education, financial assistance, additional labor force, and infrastructure, are all challenges to the operation and livelihood of women farmers worldwide. Read more: Empowered: Giving way to the rise of women farmers Changing technology is a big factor for post-harvest management as well. International standards for fumigation, for example, has been drastically changed due to concerns such as overuse of toxic chemicals. These shifts in technology can be difficult for producers, handlers, and traders to keep up with, especially when tied with a lack of financial support. Another enormous challenge that the agricultural sector is facing is climate change. Adapting to the changes in weather and being prepared for natural disasters such as drought, flash floods, hurricanes, and many more can be difficult.Challenges in Post-Harvest Management
