Post-harvest Loss Assessment of Banana (Musa spp.) at Jimma Town Market

Abstract

Post-harvest loss of banana in Jimma town market was accounted a total loss of 26.5% in the supply chain. Of these, more percent of the total losses were being observed at the retail market (64.10%) and whole-salers level (35.90%). Mechanical damage followed by improper transport and improper storage were identified as the main causes of banana loss at whole-salers level while fruit rotting followed by improper ripening and mechanical damage were identified as the main causes to the loss of banana fruit at retail level. Hence, the current post-harvest management system of banana at whole-salers and retail level is inadequate. There is no sufficient attention given for the post-harvest management of banana in the supply chain. It was also observed that, there is a knowledge gap between the respondents in their experience of proper fruit handling techniques. Therefore, to reduce the level of post-harvest losses of banana, more emphasis should be given to post-harvest handling practices. The loss can be minimized or prevented by awareness creation, education and training about the importance of post-harvest losses, adopting better management operations, careful handling and packaging to the supply chain actors.