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Economic Analysis of Post -harvest Losses of Vegetables: a Study in Bogura District of Bangladesh

M.A. Mamun
Assistant Director
Rural Development Academy, Bogura, Bangladesh

M. Ahmad
Rural Development Academy, Bogura, Bangladesh

R. Sultana
Deputy Director
Rural Development Academy, Bogura, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The study has examined the nature and extent of post-harvest losses of vegetable at different stages in the Bogura. Multistage cluster sampling has been used for selection of 120 vegetable growers from six villages of three upazilla viz. Bogura sadar, Shibjonj and Shajahanpur. The sample has also included 25 market functionaries. Twelve major vegetables have been selected for the study. The maximum aggregate post-harvest losses were found in tomato, followed by potato, onion, okra, brinjal, chilli, country bean, cauliflower and cabbage. The results of the study indicated that post-harvest losses is the sum quantity of outputs lost in a series of operations undergone to all agricultural commodities including threshing, transportation, processing, storage and exchange before consumption. Severe losses were occurred due to poor facilities, lack of know-how, poor management and improper market facilities or careless handling of the producers, market intermediaries and consumers. Functional analysis was carried out to examine the factors affecting post-harvest losses at farm level in vegetables. Post-harvest losses at farm level were a function of several socio-economic factors like age of the farmer, education, type of family, and total production of selected vegetable crops among others. The functional analysis revealed that inadequate storage and inadequate transportation activities coupled with bad weather conditions significantly influenced the post-harvest losses at the farm level. The study suggested that establishment of producer co-operatives to handle various activities relating to production and marketing of vegetables and establishment of small sized cold storage units in the production canters would help to reduce the post-harvest losses.

Keywords: Post-harvest losses, Vegetables, Farm level, Market, Potato, Onion, Okra, Brinjal, Chilli

Location: Bogura district

Start Date: 00-11-2017

End Date: 00-12-2017

Program Area: Socio-economic and Policy

Non-commodity: Impact

Objectives:

To measure the extent of post-harvest losses in the selected vegetables at different stages and to study the factors affecting post-harvest losses at the farm level.

Methodology:

Location of the study - The present study was conducted at three upazillas in the Bogura district under Rajshahi division. Since the region has vast potential for production, marketing and export of vegetables, it was purposively selected for the present study. For selection of vegetable growers and market functionaries multistage cluster sampling was used. At the first stage, one principal vegetable market, namely Mohasthangar (Shibgonj) market based on maximum annual arrival of vegetables was selected. At the second stage, two primary markets out of eight were selected for the present study. These were: Noynail (Shajahanpur) market and Pollimangal (Bogura Sadar) market. The two primary markets were selected purposively in consultation with officials of department agricultural extension. At the third stage, two unions predominantly vegetables growing were chosen from each of the selected upazilla and a total six union was selected for the study. At the fourth stage, one villages from (near the road and at least 2-3 km away from the road) feeding the primary or secondary market were selected purposively considering the status of vegetable production. A total six villages were selected for the study. Finally, 20 farmers per village were selected randomly. Thus, the sample size was consisted of 120 vegetable growers. The sample also included market functionaries of each category, viz. commission agents, wholesaler-cum commission agents and retailers. Five wholesale-cum commission agents were included in the sample. Ten retailers each from secondary as well the two selected primary markets were taken for the study. As such total numbers of retailers selected were 25. Several vegetable crops are cultivated in the Bogura district in different seasons. For the present study, only major vegetables grown in the study area were considered. The selection of major vegetables was done on the basis of total annual production of different vegetables in the Bogura district. Thus, bitter gourd, tomato, potato, country bean, cauliflower, cabbage, onion, chilli, radish, yard long bean, okra and brinjal were selected for the study. The study was based on the primary data collected from the selected farmers, wholesalers and retailers involved in the marketing using a pre-structured schedule by personal interview method. Data were collected during November 2017 to December 2017.

Source of Information: Int. J. Expt. Agric. 8(1):19-25(March 2018)

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The study has estimated post-harvest losses in major vegetables grown in Bogura. The post-harvest losses occur due to faulty methods of harvesting, threshing, cleaning, drying, storage, transportation, processing, packaging and distribution of agricultural commodities. At producer level, the post-harvest losses have been found maximum in tomato (14.23%) followed by brinjal (10.05%), chilli (9.78%), country bean (9.22%), and minimum in radish (3.91%). At the retail level also, tomato has registered maximum loss, followed by okra, country bean and chilli. The maximum aggregate post-harvest losses have been found in tomato, followed by potato, onion, okra, brinjal and minimum in radish. Across different stages, the losses have been found maximum at the grower level in all the vegetables, except Radish. The functional analysis revealed that inadequate storage and inadequate transportation activities coupled with bad weather conditions and knowledge on post-harvest handling of vegetable positively and significantly influenced the post-harvest losses at the farm level. Beside these the spoilage/loss of vegetables at the grower level results from lack of his knowledge about proper post-harvest management. Improper grading, packing, lack of storage and inadequate transportation facilities contribute more to the problem. One of the most important causes of post harvest losses is harvest at inappropriate maturity, resulting in erratic ripening and poor quality.

Knowledge Management: Journal