Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
15.7.3 TRANSPORT/LOGISTICS
With the given set-up of roads and transport vehicles in some areas of the
country, losses would be more due to unseasonal rains, hailstorms, heavy
rains, floods and high temperatures caused by climate change. Transport
facility needs to be improved in terms of frequency of trucks and rail cars
and also interior design and temperature management of the rail cars.
Transport facility and roads are abysmally poor in remote villages and
NEH region of the country.
15.7.4 HANDLING PRACTICES
Major portion of postharvest losses in the country are due to improper
handling of fruits. Fruits are handled manually several times on the ground
predisposing it to infection. Reduction of handling steps in a supply chain
and introduction of mechanization in handling can minimize losses to a
great extent as observed in Kinnow and many other fruits and vegetables.
15.7.5 PACKAGING
Unit handling of packaged fruit in boxes reduces infection, physical touch
and softening, improves presentation and is convenient in handling.
15.7.6 MARKETING INFRASTRUCTURE
Auction sheds need to be provided to reduce weather impact on fruit. At
many wholesale markets auction is conducted in open exposing fruit to
intense heat and rains.
15.7.7 RETAILING
With increased temperatures of ambient air, shriveling and weight loss
problem will be higher during February-June causing increased losses to
retailers. Mostly fruits are sold under open non-air conditioned shops and
under scorching Sun in India. Infrastructure development by public-pri-
