Maximising profit by waste reduction in postharvest Supply Chain of tomato

Abstract

PurposeThe paper aims to analyse the postharvest Supply Chain (SC) of tomatoes to maximise profit by restructuring the modes of operation.Design/methodology/approachSystem Dynamics-based simulation of four scenarios depicting different operational modes of postharvest food SC was employed. Real-time of Tamil Nadu state, India was used to enact the scenarios using Vensim.FindingsResults indicated that cold storage improved the profit of wholesalers by prolonging the shelf-life of commodities. Retailers and farmers gained more profit in the absence of wholesalers. Though the absence of middlemen reduces the transit time and prevents deterioration, the role of wholesalers, i.e. transporting the commodities to farther customers’ needs to be shouldered by other agents effectively to minimise losses.Research limitations/implicationsThe accuracy of the results depend on the exactness of the data collected. The simulation findings, on the other hand, could be helpful in decision-making as these models portray the actual operational modes of postharvest SC. The suitability of each network structure depends on the capabilities of the agents, market scenario and demography. Implications based on discussions with stakeholders and in terms of establishing dedicated societies (cooperatives) have been provided.Originality/valuePostharvest losses incurred for horticultural crops like tomatoes are significantly high. It is of much importance to India as agriculture contributes to 17% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and India is the second-largest producer of tomatoes globally. The study would shed light on restructuring the network appropriately.

Impact of Revenue Generated via Composting and Recycling of Wastes Produced in the Greenhouse Tomato Supply Chain on Reducing Income Inequality: A Case Study of Türkiye

“…The FL rate for perishable products, such as tomatoes, is relatively high due to various reasons, including incorrect handling during loading and unloading, poor product storage conditions, unsuitable storage conditions, lack of a clean and sterile environment, insufficient ventilation and cooling systems, lack of pre-cooling after loading, and errors in packaging and sizing of tomatoes [11,12]. And also, the geographical distance between the tomato production and consumption sales points, as well as the limited accessibility of remote locations, have been considered as significant factors contributing to FL and FW [13,14].…”