Reducing On-Farm Food Losses
In the OIC Member Countries
94
Case Study Causes of On-Farm Losses On-Farm
Losses
Means for Reduction of
On-Farm Losses
during drying to prevent
aflatoxin contamination
Tomatoes in
Egypt
Production: weeds, insect pests,
sunburn;
Harvesting: rough harvesting, damage
to plants and fruits;
Handling: use of crates with sharp
edges, physical damage, exposure to
sun and heat after harvest.
15-20% - Protect crop from weed
competition
- Improved canopy
management to prevent sun
damage
- Use of plastic crates or
adding liners in date palm
rib crates
- Protect produce from
direct sun after harvest (use
shade)
Plantains in
Uganda
Harvesting: harvesting too early or too
late, rough harvesting, dropping
bunches;
Handling: leaving bunches exposed to
direct sun, rough handling during
carrying, stacking and loading.
5% - Check maturity before
harvest
- Avoid dropping, rough
handling
- Consider using two
harvesters rather than one
to reduce physical damage
- Protect produce from
direct sun after harvest (use
shade)
Source: On-Farm Visits; Based on Own Experience and Evaluation.