Abstract:
Postharvest losses in fresh fruit and
vegetables are higher, especially in developing tropical
countries such as Sri Lanka. The production of
perishables annually faces significant losses along the
supply chain, from the farm gate to the retailer market.
This study established the extent of postharvest losses in
the cabbage market chain in Sri Lanka's wet zone.
Random samples were collected from the total harvest of
a selected farmers’ field in Nuwara-Eliya district and
tracked at various market points. There the postharvest
practices were observed, and yield weight and loss were
calculated. Results showed that from the farm gate to the
retailer market the weight loss that occurred from
cabbages was 22.44%. The majority of the total loss,
accounting for 58.05%, resulted from the cleaning
process carried out at the retail market. Upon further
investigation, it was revealed that losses were also caused
by improper packaging, poor transportation facilities,
and handling. To minimize crop losses, proper pre-
harvest practices should be followed. Most importantly,
post-harvest practices such as maintaining lower storage
temperatures, use of appropriate packing materials, and
implementing a safe transportation system can help
mitigate these issues.
