Is the interest on a warehouse receipt loan worth it compared to selling at harvest?

The right way to judge it is to compare the expected price rise against your total cost of holding, which is the loan interest plus storage charges plus a small allowance for any quality loss. Work it per quintal: estimate how much the price is likely to climb over the months you plan to hold, then subtract the interest for that period and the storage and handling charges. If the likely price gain comfortably beats that total cost, holding on the warehouse receipt leaves you ahead; if the gain is thin or uncertain, selling at harvest is safer. Two things tilt it in your favour: prices for many crops do tend to be lowest at harvest glut and recover later, and the loan means you get cash now so you are not forced into distress sale to meet expenses. Two cautions: do not over hold a perishable or fast deteriorating commodity, and do not assume a big price jump, be realistic. Look at past seasonal price patterns for your crop in your mandi, and confirm the current interest and storage rates with your bank and warehouse, before deciding.