ASCOT Library Zabali Campus

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Post-harvest losses --
2. The impact of post harvest losses --
3. The importance of post-harvest losses --
4. The nature of food spoilage --
5. Post-harvest preparation for food processing --
6. Suitable post harvest research in developing countries --
7. Commonly used Lipophilic Acid food preservations --
8. Post harvest handling of horticulture produce --
9. Post harvest technology of fruits and vegetables --
9. Grain and post-harvest systems --
10. Causes and magnitude of post-harvest losses.

"Time and money are required to cultivate food products, and unless the farmer is providing food only for his own household, he automatically becomes part of the market economy: he must sell his produce, he must recover his costs, and he must make a profit. While fulfilling the food demand of an increasing population remains a major global concern, more than one- third of food is lost or wasted in postharvest operations. Reducing the postharvest losses, especially in developing countries, could be a sustainable solution to increase food availability, reduce pressure on natural resources, eliminate hunger and Improve farmers' livelihoods. Cereal grains are the basis of staple food in most of the developing nations, and account for the maximum postharvest losses on a calorific basis among all agricultural commodities. Postharvest loss accounts for direct physical losses and quality losses that reduce the economic value of crop, or may make it unsuitable for human consumption. In severe cases, these losses can be up to 80% of the total production. The traditional goals of Post Harvest technology are to improve handling system with emphasis on Post Harvest treatments including storage, packaging and transportation to maintain quality and reduce losses of products between the field and the ultimate destination. The Post Harvest technology has increasingly become vital in the supply chain management. The medium and long-term challenges are that Post Harvest technology should be more viable to enhance the value chain and to cope with the changing market environments. However, postharvest loss is a complex problem. The amount of loss differs between crops, geographies, growing conditions, and along the supply chain. It is difficult to generate a comprehensive view of the extent of postharvest loss because available information is limited. Thus, preventing postharvest loss requires innovations in measuring the extent of postharvest loss, developing appropriate technologies, Integrating systems, and evaluating policy, as well as effective transfer of information and education. Each chapter in the book is self contained and is consistent with the general aim of the book. No doubt, the chapters given in this book shall help the teachers, students and social scientists to understand and explore more in the subject." -- Provided by publisher