Postharvest Loss Assessment of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) in Fogera, Ethiopia

Abstract

Valuation of postharvest loss and identification of its causes enables to develop proper measures required to reduce losses. The study was conducted at “Fogera” District, South Gondar, Ethiopia between 2017 and 2018 years to assess the extent of postharvest loss of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and to identify major causes with respective handling system. In this study, a total of 125 farmers and 40 traders (10 wholesalers and 30 retailers) were involved as main respondents. Data collection was done using semi structured interview schedule, key informant interview, focus group discussion and observation. Besides respondents estimation, a sample analysis was conducted to estimate the extent of postharvest loss as per the FAO minimum quality standards. Descriptive statistics such as average, percentage, frequency and standard deviation were used to analyse data and tables, graphs and charts were used to present result. Result revealed that almost half of tomato produced is damaged and puts out of normal use with highest loss at producer level due to different causes which are complex and interrelated across tomato market chain. Marketing situation, insect pest and disease, lack of awareness, low economic status of producers, late harvesting, mechanical damage during harvesting and transportation, poor quality of produce and price fall were some of the reasons identified as major cause of post-harvest loss of tomato. For solving the postharvest loss problems, actors in supply chain has to develop cooperation and effective communication among all the research, extension, and industry personnel involved.

Effect of packaging materials on lycopene vitamin C and water activity of dried tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) powder during storage

“…Moreover, tomato is a seasonal crop, and when there is seasonal glut, large percentage of it will be lost by improper postharvest handling and processing. In Ethiopia, about 25%–40% of postharvest loss of tomato is reported by different researchers during different postharvest handling stages (Abera et al, 2020 ; Asrat et al, 2019 ; Emana et al, 2017 ).…”

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

“…Previous studies have examined FL and FW along the supply chain [30,[35][36][37][38]. However, the impact of the economic benefits resulting from recycling on income distribution is yet to be explored.…”

Effects of preharvest applications of chemicals and storage conditions on the physico-chemical characteristics and shelf life of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit

“…The postharvest loss of tomato fruits in Ethiopia is also considerably large. Postharvest losses of tomatoes in Fogera was estimated to be 24.17% ( Asrat et al., 2019 ) and where as in Dire Dawa the loss was 45.32% ( Kasso and Bekele, 2018 ).…”