Post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables in Sri Lanka amount to Rs. 180 billion a year, and, according to a new study by the Department of Agriculture and several partners, the quantity lost is sufficient to feed the entire nation for two to four months.
The research has found that more than 500,000 metric tons of produce goes to waste annually, during transportation alone. Of this, around 200,000 metric tons are vegetables and 300,000 metric tons are fruits. About 30%-40% of harvest is lost in transit, with the heaviest damage occurring between farms and retail markets. Experts add that household-level waste also contributes to the losses.
The study has also revealed that transportation-related waste, which makes up about 10 percent of the Rs. 180 billion annual loss, could be cut down, delivering a 60 percent boost to both the national and farming economies. If recommended practices are followed, waste could be reduced to as little as 5.7%, the study has pointed out.
However, the researchers have noted that farmers, intermediaries, and retailers are failing to adopt the guidelines and measures introduced to curb losses, undermining efforts to save billions worth of produce.
by Nimal Gunathilake
