The study aims at estimating farm loss quantity of rice crop. It also indicates
the loss according different factors such as: planting time, harvesting method, packing
method, means of transport the crop.
Statistical approach was used on the estimated data for rice crop in Behera
governorates to calculate the loss in the level of governorate and on national level.
The result showed that the total loss represent 2.23% of total product of the sample
chosen. Also there was an inverserelation between cultivated area and the quantiny of
loss. The cultivated time and also the harvested time affecting the loss quantity as
follows: 82.21 Kg I Feddan for early planting and 82.23 Kg I Feddan for late planting,
77.58 Kg I Feddan for early harvesting and 90.83! Feddann for late harvesting.
The study showed that the harvesting method also affecting the loss quantity of rice:
the 28.73 Kg I Feddan for mechanical harvesting and 181.56 Kg I Feddan for the
manual
Means of packages using the machines less the loss by 31.47 Kg I Feddan
compared with the manual one. Also means of crop transport affecting the crop loss.
82.06 Kg I Feddan by cars and 82.56 Kg I Feddan by animals. The estimated loss in
Behera governorate was 19.8 thousand ton with value 4.8 million pound. This causes
loss in cultivated area by 4.7 thousand Feddan and loss of irrigated water by 41
million cubic meters. The total loss on national level estimated by 142 thousand ton
with value 35.2 million pound according 2004 prices. The loss of cultivated area was
34.2 thousand Feddan and 301.5 million cubic meter loss in irrigated water.
The study recommended that the need to use the mechanical means in the
operation of crop planting and handling. Also feasibility study should be conducted for
reducing farm rice crop loss on farm level.