Mitigating high postharvest losses in semi-temperate vegetables through improved handling practices

Vegetable production is one of the major sources of income and employment in the country especially in the Cordillera Region [Philippines]. Previously, 70% to 80% of the total produce are brought to Manila [Philippines] and the neighboring areas. These, however, have declined due to importation from other countries. Importers further claimed that vegetable produce from the Cordillera were of fair quality with unsuitable varieties, poor handling and packaging, and inconsistent supply. With the full implementation of the GATT, the country has to produce quality vegetables to prevent losses and be competitive in the market. Researches done to mitigate the high postharvest losses included documentation of present postharvest practices, conducted random survey on planning strategies of farmers before growing and marketing produce, conducted actual loss assessments to determine kinds and causes of losses, monitored weekly inflow and outflow of vegetables of the main trading center, and adopted simple storage of vegetables for household consumption. Results at the studies showed that the farmers have less market contacts and little information about quality requirements before growing and shifting their produce. Their postharvest practices are still traditional due to limited postharvest facilities. The total cumulative losses in 10 major semi-temperate vegetables from harvesting to retailing ranged from 11.1% to 42.6% depending on the crop. Cabbage gave 26.0% losses, Chinese cabbage with 11.5%, lettuce with 19.6%, celery with 15.2%, broccoli with 17.8%, cauliflower with 19.1%, green peas with 1.7%, bell pepper with 5.5%, carrots with 13.7%, and potato with 12.5%. The kinds and causes of losses are due to preharvest factors and poor handling, systems resulting to mechanical injuries, insect and disease damages, wilting, weight loss, discoloration or yellowing. The average total weekly inflow of vegetables at the La Trinidad [Benguet, Philippines] Vegetable Trading Post in January to March 2004 was 4,710.8 MT while the total outflow was only 2,476 MT. This shows about 47.7% of unsold vegetables that need intervention for strong market linkages, efficient use of the new cold chain facilities, and processing plants to convert them into stable products. Adoption of the simple storage of paper wrapping vegetables before putting them in plastic bags is efficient for the household to prolong freshness up to 14 days storage period.