Rice losses throughout the production-to-post-harvest chain represent one of the most critical agricultural challenges in Gilan Province, Iran, leading to reductions in both product quality and productivity. The present study aimed to identify and rank the factors affecting rice losses and to prioritize mitigation strategies. In terms of purpose, the study was applied research, while methodologically it adopted a descriptive–analytical approach. Given the multidimensional nature of the problem and the existence of both qualitative and quantitative criteria, a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) framework was employed. In this regard, the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) was utilized to determine the weights of criteria and sub-criteria, whereas the TOPSIS technique was applied to prioritize mitigation strategies. The statistical population consisted of 20 experts and specialists in rice production, harvesting, and processing in Gilan Province, selected through purposive sampling.

The FAHP results revealed that the post-harvest criterion received the highest weight (0.321), while product drying as a sub-criterion obtained the highest global weight (0.124). Managerial and human-related factors were also identified as highly influential determinants of rice losses. The TOPSIS analysis indicated that the most effective mitigation strategies were the development of mechanized and standardized dryers (CC_i = 0.6075), modernization of harvesting and rice milling machinery (CC_i = 0.5712), and enhancement of farmers’ technical knowledge and training (CC_i = 0.5677).

The findings demonstrate that reducing rice losses requires an integrated technical, managerial, and educational approach. Policymakers should therefore prioritize investments and planning efforts toward post-harvest management, farmer training, and optimized mechanization systems.