Assessment of post-harvest losses and carbon footprint in intensive lowland rice production in Myanmar

This paper examines how moving from traditional post-harvest operations of smallholder rice farms in the Ayeyarwaddy delta, Myanmar, to improved post-harvest operations affects income, energy efficiency, and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE). Harvest and post-harvest losses were investigated in a field experiment with five replications per scenario. A comparative analysis of energy efficiency and cost-benefits was conducted for different practices from cultivation to milling, and GHGE were assessed using a life-cycle assessment approach. Mechanized practices increased net income by 30–50% compared with traditional practices. Despite additional energy for machine manufacturing and fuel, mechanized practices significantly reduced post-harvest losses and did not increase total life-cycle energy use or GHGE. Combine harvesting reduced harvesting loss by 3–7% (by weight), and improved post-harvest management using a flatbed dryer and hermetic storage reduced grain discoloration by 3–4% and increased head-rice recovery by 20–30%. The findings provide empirical evidence that improved post-harvest management reduces losses and improves rice quality, informing mechanization policies in South and Southeast Asia.

Martin Gummert, Nguyen-Van-Hung, Christopher Cabardo, Reianne Quilloy, Yan Lin Aung, Aung Myo Thant, Myo Aung Kyaw, Romeo Labios, Nyo Me Htwe, Grant R. Singleton