Impact of rice harvest loss by mechanization or outsourcing: Comparison of specialized and part-time farmers

One-third of the world's food is lost and wasted each year, making reducing food loss and waste one of the promising ways to ensure global food security. This study conducts a comparative analysis of the differences among the factors affecting rice harvest loss of specialized and part-time farmers. Data collected from 1 106 farmers in China were analysed using Tobit regression. The results indicated the following: i) The average rice harvest loss rate of part-time farmers is higher than that of specialized farmers. ii) Among the variables considered, most factors not only increase the loss of part-time and non-rice specialized farmers but also reduce the loss of rice specialized farmers. iii) The use of combine harvesters and the purchase of outsourcing services increases the loss of part-time and non-rice specialized farmers but can reduce the loss of rice specialized farmers. iv) In addition to weather and pests, plant-ing area, terrain conditions, operating attitude, and labour shortage also affect the loss. These findings are valuable to understand how the loss occurs and the differences between specialized and part-time farmers, which will help develop targeted interventions to reduce the loss.