Losses between the farm gate and the buyer are common and mostly preventable.
Common causes
Torn or poorly sewn bags, rough handling and hooks, overloading and bad stacking, wet loads, long waits in heat, and spillage at transfers.
Practical fixes
- Strong, sound bags filled to weight and well sewn.
- Lift, do not drag or hook bags; use trolleys, ramps and conveyors for heavy volumes.
- Cover loads with tarpaulins against rain and sun; keep floors clean and dry.
- Load evenly and within limits; tie down securely.
- Plan timing so produce does not wait in heat, particularly vegetables and fruit.
- Count and weigh at each hand-over so you know where losses occur.
Measure it
Even a 1–2% loss on a large volume is a lot of money. Track it, fix the biggest cause first and repeat.
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