Review of Post-Harvest Losses of Fruits and Vegetables

Abstract

Fruits and vegetables are among the most perishable agricultural cultivated in Nigeria, especially the Northern part of the country. However, poor handling method has resulted in to a serious post-harvest loss of these agricultural produce in addition to loss of time and money spend. Therefore, in most cases farmers suffer a huge economic loss due to lack of proper understanding about nature and causes of these loss, proper preservation methods and their transportation and marketing techniques. However, this may be reduced tremendously, by using adequate cultural methods, such as careful handling and packaging. Furthermore, the use of appropriate chemicals during pre and post-harvest stage may sometimes extend the shelf life of the produce and make it available over a long period time by protecting the fruit and vegetables from attacked of pathogens and other environmental damage. Consequently, this review suggests the procedure of handling the fruits and vegetables after their harvest so as to reduce the loss and maximizing the returns from them which may result in increased availability and reduce cost of the commodity.