Improper harvesting, handling transportation and distribution of fruits and vegetables result in the significant losses which cause ultimately economic loss. The reduction of post-harvest losses reduces the dependence on imports of commodity fertilizers pesticides and other chemicals save a substantial amount of foreign exchange. It is estimated that total loss of vegetable and fruits in India due to inadequate post-harvest handling transportation of storage at less 20-25%.
The importance of reduction in post-harvest loss of fruit and vegetable is of vital importance countries like India, Malaysia and knowledge of post-harvest management and loss of fruits and vegetables.
Several factors influence the post-harvest losses due to physical, physiological, mechanical and hygienic conditions. Fruits and vegetables are characterized by high metabolic activities and known to possess short shelf life. Recent development has improved shelf life of fruit and vegetables.
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