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, planting 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.