Post-harvest losses in mandarin orange: A case study of Dhankuta District, Nepal.

Abstract

Worldwide postharvest fruit and vegetables losses are as high as 30 to 40% and even much higher in developing countries like Nepal. A systematic survey was conducted to assess the extent of loss due to post harvest conditions in oranges at field, transport, storage and market levels during October to January, 2011. The survey data were collected using oral questionnaires, personal interviews, group discussions and informal observation in the field and Krishi Bazar, Dharan. The production of oranges in Dhankuta this year was found to be reduced by 40 to 50% than previous year which was observed to be followed by alternate pattern. Consequently, the price was doubled this year. The post harvest loss was found to be 46% from harvesting to distribution. The losses during harvesting, transportation, grading, packaging and marketing were found to be 7, 25, 3, 1 and 5% maximum, respectively. The storage losses were found to be 5% during 2 to 4 days in Krish Bazar while 40.1% during 21 days experimental condition in room. The losses in experimental condition comprised 15.02% evaporation loss, 14.34% pathological loss and 10.74% other losses. The most observed disease was fungal attack in oranges. Reducing postharvest losses is very important; ensuring that sufficient food, both in quantity and in quality is available to every inhabitant in our planet. Postharvest horticulturists need to coordinate their efforts with those of production horticulturists, agricultural marketing economists, engineers, food technologists, and others who may be involved in various aspects of the production and marketing system.