Reducing Postharvest Losses
In the OIC Member Countries
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experience of research in Guyana, highlight the fact that “current literature does not offer
integrated and reliable approaches for evaluating postharvest losses of fresh produce”.
Fruit and vegetables investigated – key postharvest loss research and findings
Bananas (Comoros, Indonesia, Maldives, Mozambique, Suriname)
No postharvest loss data or information found in the target countries.
Dates (Bahrain, Mauritania, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates)
The limited literature (Kader and Hussein, 2009) indicates that this crop suffers from high
postharvest losses due to fermentation, insect infestation, birds, and mechanical damage.
Insect infestation and damage caused by insect feeding on the dates is one of the primary
causes of postharvest losses in quality and quantity. Dates can be infested with some of the
stored-products insects (such as Oryzaephilus surinamensis, Oryzaephilus mercator, Tribolium
confusum, Plodia interpunctella, Cryptolestes ferrugineus, and Cadra spp.). Ectomyelois
ceratoniae Zeller (date carob-moth) is widely distributed in date production areas, and causes
significant postharvest losses in stored dates. (Yahia, et al., 2011). Fungi (Aspergillus,
Alternaria, and Penicillium spp) may grow on dates with high-moisture, especially when
harvested following rain or high humidity. Growth of Aspergillus flavus on dates can result in
aflatoxin contamination and cause economic loss.
No research was found on quantities, proportions or values of postharvest losses of dates.
Grapes (Afghanistan)
Farmers transport grapes to market in locally-produced bags and woven baskets, leaving the
buyer to sort fruit by size or quality. Fruit at the bottom of the container ends up bruised or
crushed (US Department of State, 2013). Poor harvest techniques and postharvest handling
are considered responsible for an estimated 15% to 25% postharvest loss annually (USDA,
2011). One of the major constraints facing the industry is the drying process which
predominately occurs in unsanitary conditions and produces raisins which are not suitable for
export to developed countries’ markets.
Mangoes (Palestine, Occupied Tr., Yemen)
Postharvest horticultural produce losses considered to be high but not quantified in these
countries.
Pineapples (Benin)
Fassinou Hotegni et al. (2014) highlight the economic losses from pineapples grown for export
markets not meeting external standards. Each time producers want to export fresh pineapple
to Europe more than 50% of what is delivered to be exported is rejected because it does not
meet European import criteria. In 2010, from 220,800 Mg of pineapple produced, only 82 Mg
(0.037%) was exported. The remaining pineapples were sold on the local and regional markets
with lower quality demands and lower prices.
Watermelons (Albania, Algeria, Kazakhstan, Libya, Mali, Tajikistan)
The USAID Albania Agriculture Competitiveness program held its 3rd Regional Watermelon
Round Table in 2011 at which 62 watermelon value chain actors - input suppliers,
consolidators, representatives of farmers’ associations, specialists from the Lushnjë
Technology Transfer Center, and financial institutions - attended. Presentations were given on
lessons learned, season selection for harvesting and selling watermelon, market demands, and
quality issues. Growth in investments, in new greenhouses and fruit plantations, postharvest
investment, mainly cold storage for fruits supported by national schemes and donors, was