Abstract:
It was estimated that post-harvest losses of fruit and vegetables were 20-40% and it was
10-15% in grains and pulses in Sri Lanka. But there is very little data available in
different system along the post harvest chain. Therefore, the present study was
undertaken to evaluate the post-harvest losses in some fruits and vegetables in Sri
Lanka. A survey of post-harvest losses in some fruits and vegetables was carried out in
the different provinces. Post-harvest chains with intermediate subsystems were
identified in different types of perishable crops. Primary data were collected by visiting
and interviewing farmers and sellers through different sub systems of the chain. Aftpr_
the survey, post-harvest losses were calculated as a percentage and data were analysed,
the average loss per item was calculated along the post harvest chain. Data on Postharvest
losses of 15 types of perishable crops namely potato, red onion, okra, dragon
fruit, water melon, tomato, leeks, papaya, beans, brinjol, pine apple, snake gourd,
banana, capsicum, cabbage were evaluated. Total losses range from 5.6 to 41.2% for
most of the crops. Minimum post-harvest loss was shown in less perishable crop like
snake gourd and maximum loss was shown in high perishable crop like Papaya. There
was positive relationship (P<0.05) between distance from farm gate to consumer and
total post- harvest losses of fruits and vegetables. Hence, a considerable proportion of
these losses occurred during transport of the product to the market through whole seller
while part of these took place during storage on the market shelves. A numerous factors
contribute to these losses and mostly due to improper harvesting and transport methods
and inadequate storage facilities. The considerable losses occurred during transportation
of perishables. Therefore method of transportation should be developed in all postharvest
subsystems to reduce post-harvest losses.
