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Post-harvest loss, the deterioration of agricultural produce after harvest and before it reaches consumers, has significant effects on food security and nutrition. Post-harvest loss reduces the amount of available food, leading to scarcity and higher prices, making nutritious food less accessible for consumers, and affecting farmers’ income due to reduced marketable produce.
Global food loss and waste cause more greenhouse gas emissions than any other source. In a vicious cycle, climate change increases post-harvest food loss, through higher temperatures, greater pest damage, and other factors. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), losses occurring from the farm to the retail stage (excluding retail) accounted for about 14 percent of food produced globally in 2016. In Nepal, multiple studies have indicated that post-harvest loss in fruits and vegetables has been estimated from 20 to 30% and could even exceed more than 50% under adverse conditions. These losses are unintentional and result from disruptions in production or supply chains.
An efficient and economically feasible supply chain for perishable goods, spanning from production centers to consumption centers can help minimize physical waste and preserve the value of perishable goods. Technological innovations play a crucial role in establishing such a robust supply chain.
To reduce post-harvest losses in agriculture, Sahaj has collaborated with private sector actors who have introduced technology-based innovative logistics services and affordable post-harvest solutions. For packaging services, biodegradable MAP (Modified Atmospheric Packaging) bags made from maize starch have been introduced. These perforated bags extend the shelf life of fresh food by allowing carbon dioxide and oxygen gases to pass between the outer and inner surroundings of MAP bags. The lower oxygen concentration and higher carbon dioxide concentration inside the MAP bags helps to slowdown the respiration progression resulting in the prolonged shelf life of the produce. Once these bags have fulfilled their purpose, they decompose naturally once it comes into contact with soil within 180-200 days, minimizing environmental impact. Through using MAP bags for Akbare Chili (a type of hot chili pepper), a reduced weight loss from 10% to 2% was observed, resulting in the saving of 1.6 kg per 20 kg bag capacity in the span of 5 days.
For storage services, Internet of Things (IoT)-based devices such as Eco Frost Cold Chain and Digitally Enabled Cold Storage System (DECS) have been introduced. These devices allow cold stores and chambers to be connected to the internet for remote monitoring and control. They track the temperature, relative humidity, and power status in real-time and alert users via SMS if any readings exceed set parameters in cold stores. This enables to reduce the risk of product spoilage resulting in efficient, reliable, and safety of cold storage operations.
Similarly, the CoolBot is a small device when attached to a regular air-conditioner, transforms a well-insulated room into a cost-effective cold room with temperature as low as 2 degrees Celsius, surpassing the capabilities of traditional AC’s limited to 16 degrees Celsius. Notably, CoolBot cold rooms boast environmental friendliness as they utilize electricity more efficiently and come at nearly half the price compared to traditional cold rooms. The adoption of CoolBot cold rooms benefits smallholder farmers and local traders by extending produce shelf life, boosting their bargaining power, and ensuring a prolonged marketing period. This enhances the income of adopters and provides consumers with a consistent supply of produce.
The above solutions have been recently introduced in the Koshi Province to minimise post-harvest loss and maintain product quality. The private sector partners have penetrated the market over the last one year. Whilst 62 agri-businesses have used the above solutions, the private sector partners expect more traction and purchase once the businesses and farmers see the effectiveness of such solutions.
These initiatives reflect the importance of addressing post-harvest loss as stated in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3, which aims to “halve per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels and reduce food losses along production and supply chains, including post-harvest losses”. By focusing on technological and low-cost innovations, Sahaj is taking significant steps toward minimizing physical waste and preserving the value of perishable goods.
Nepal Agricultural Market Development Programme (NAMDP) Phase II also known as Sahaj is an SDC project implemented by a consortium of Swisscontact (as the lead agency) and CEAPRED.