Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Whether these developments have always reduced total losses for specific fresh
produce types is debatable as often technologies which have extended storage have
not ultimately reduced waste but increased availability and the prospect of sourcing
from different origins.
Implementation of storage technologies has been a consequence of need to ex-
tend the duration for availability of fruits and vegetables (Yahia
2009
). The most
successful example of postharvest technology is that of controlled atmosphere stor-
age of apples (Yahia
2009
). As international transport and postharvest transport
technologies have evolved, the goal was transformed to enabling orderly, profitable
marketing of fruits and vegetables to whatever market demands the product (Yahia
2009
). Despite the driving force of optimizing profit, there are layers of marketing
chains that attempt to continue to serve the original purpose, that of preserving
product to local and regional consumers such that the season for availability is ex-
tended as much as possible and yet this does not always translate to minimization
of losses.
Clearly, postharvest care for fresh fruits and vegetables is a complex issue, im-
pacted by the location of the producer (developed or developing economies), the
intended market (local, regional, national or international) and the sophistication of
the distribution chain and ultimately the changing factors and drivers which influ-
ence consumer demand. The intent of this chapter is to gain an appreciation for is-
sues surrounding postharvest care in developing economies, sustaining horticulture
in developed economies and in reducing losses and ensuring optimal quality and
nutrition for consumers.
Role of Postharvest Technology in Developing
and Emerging Economies
Postharvest losses in the developing world can be substantial. Losses range from
30 to 80 %, depending on the commodity (Kitinoja et al.
2011
). For example, leafy
greens which are subject to physical damage and high rates of water loss can suffer
80 % loss after harvest. In addition, in the developing world, losses tend to occur
between the grower and the market, rather than at the consumer level; opposite to
the developed world (Kader
2005
,
2010
). With the world population expected to
exceed 9 billion by 2050, there are urgent calls to greatly increase food availability.
Reduction in postharvest losses is a key factor in increasing food availability in a
sustainable manner.
Postharvest losses are very high in the developing world due to a number of
factors, including harvesting at improper maturity, rough handling and poor pack-
aging leading to physical damage, lack of protection from water loss leading to
wilting, shrivel and loss of saleable weight, inadequate transportation to market,
and lack of cooling or cold storage capabilities (largely due to unreliable electrical
power supplies).
