Technology on Reducing Postharvest Losses and Maintaining Quality of Fruit and Vegetables (Philippines)

Abstract

The Philippines is predominantly agriculture which covers 47% or 30 million hectares. However, the landholdings are small and non-contiguous. Fruits and vegetables grow well with the least inputs except when typhoons and drought hit the country. The bountiful harvest are wasted during the distribution process due to a number of reasons: use of inappropriate containers, poor road conditions, high temperatures, and rough handling. Postharvest losses could be up to 50%. While postharvest technologies are continuously being developed, transferred and adopted by the target sectors, the need for cooperation and coordination among the stakeholders is very critical. Information dissemination on the proper handling of fruits and vegetables through print and broadcast media must be sustained. Postharvest must be strengthened in the different schools as well as the extension manpower all over the country. The support for efficient postharvest facilities and infrastructures for perishable horticultural crops where the small producers would benefit should be prioritized. While the production areas are not increasing, the population is growing very rapidly. To ensure more food becoming available to consumers, a significant reduction in postharvest losses must be achieved.