Reducing Postharvest Losses
In the OIC Member Countries
126
4.7.2. Assessment of Postharvest Losses and Economic Burden
The National understanding and response
The Government of Indonesia recognises the cost of postharvest losses, both to the economy
and to food supply. Working in partnership with the private sector, a robust cyclical system
has been installed. This system is summarised i below:
Figure 20: System for identifying & addressing PHL in Indonesia’s fisheries sector
Data
Collection
Research
Leading to
Policy &
legislation
Investment
Capacity
strengthening
Innovation
advises
Improved
enabling
environment
Innovative
technology
Reduced
Economic Loss
Reduced Physical
Loss
Reduced market
Loss
Measured by
Resulting in
Improved
Human
Capacity
Improved
Market
Systems
Improved fish
handling
facilities
4.7.3. Causes of Postharvest Food Losses
Research in postharvest losses and its causes is undertaken, mainly by the Research and
Development Centre for Marine Fisheries and Product Processing and Biotechnology, part of
the Agency for Research and Development. Currently, their major research project is being
undertaken in partnership with The FAO. The centres around case studies in three locations.
Extensive data is collected and summarised in a comprehensive 300 page annual report.
Although much of this is not related to postharvest losses, much can be applied. Between 2008
and 2012, a reporting system had been established in 34 regions.
Policy and Legislation has been developed to create an enabling environment, to promote
food safety, to reduce postharvest losses and to allow access to export markets. These address
issues such as control systems, quality assurance and safety of fisheries products; drug
residues, chemical and biological contamination, particularly in the context of aquaculture,
good manufacturing practice, etc. This creates an enabling environment which
a) Ensures that consumers have access to safe food and
b) Gives Indonesian producers access to lucrative overseas markets.
Capacity Strengthening is a core activity of the Ministry and under the responsibility of the
Agency for Human Resource Development.