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A Baseline Survey on Postharvest Handling of Selected Vegetables at Different Locations of Bangladesh

M. N. Amin
Farm Machinery and Postharvest Process Engineering Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur, Bangladesh.

M. A. Hossain
Farm Machinery and Postharvest Process Engineering Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur, Bangladesh.

M. A. Monayem Miah
Agricultural Economics Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Gazipur, Bangladesh.

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Proper postharvest processing and handling are important parts of modern agricultural production. The adoption of improved postharvest practices can reduce a substantial amount of food losses, improve overall food quality and safety, enhance consumers’ acceptance, and thus add to the value of the marketable products. A baseline survey was conducted on vegetable production, sorting, washing and packaging at four vegetable growing districts such as Narsingdi District, Bogra, Jashore District and Pabna to generate some baseline indicators which will help to develop a mechanical device for vegetable washing. Two Upazilas from each district were purposively selected based on the existence of primary and secondary vegetable markets. Primary data were collected from randomly selected 71 farmers, 30 Beparis/Paikers and 20 retailers. The study revealed that vegetable washing is generally practiced by farmers and Paikers and it varied from location to location. Sorting and grading of vegetables were done by either farmers or Beparis/Paikers. In all locations, red amaranth and root crops (carrot and radish) were washed by farmers to get a better price. Farmers and traders used bamboo basket, plastic crate, plastic bag and jute sack for packaging of selected vegetables. Washing and grading of vegetables was a profitable activity for the farmers.

Keywords: Vegetable, Sorting, Washing, Packaging

Location: Narsingdi District, Bogra, Jashore District and Pabna, Bangladesh

Start Date: 00-00-2015

End Date:

Program Area: Postharvest and Agro-processing

Commodity: Vegetables

Objectives:

a) To describe a brief profile of vegetable farmers and Beparis/Paikers. b) To identify the status of sorting, washing and packaging of selected vegetables. c) To estimate the profitability of washing and grading of vegetables.

Methodology:

This study was conducted in the selected vegetable growing areas of Bangladesh during the year of 2015.

Site Selection Four vegetable growing districts such as Narsingdi District, Bogra, Jashore District and one major carrot growing area as Pabna were purposively selected to collect baseline data and information on vegetable production and washing. Two upazilas from each district were selected with the consultation of vegetable scientists of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI). A total of 121 respondents including 71 vegetable farmers, 30 Paikers and 20 retailers were randomly selected for interviewing to gather primary data and information. Primary and secondary markets were taken into consideration.

Data Collection Survey questionnaire was developed by incorporating indicators for fulfilling the study objectives. The draft questionnaire was modified with the help of Agricultural Economics Division, BARI, through pre-testing in the project area at Palpara Bazar and Bramandi village in Shibpur Upazila under Narsingdi district on 25 December 2014. Trained enumerators and scientists of the project collected primary data from selected farmers and traders using structured questionnaire through personal interview. Secondary data were also collected from journal papers, reports and internet.

Source of Information: Asia-Pacific Journal of Rural Development 1–22

Article Link (Online Journal): DOI: 10.1177/1018529119898027

Funding Source:

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

A baseline study was conducted to explore the current status of sorting, washing and packaging done for different vegetables at the farmers’ and traders’ level in order to generate some indicators and the economics behind it. These indicators are later used to design a mechanical device for washing vegetables. The study reveals that in all locations, red amaranth and root crops (carrots and radish) are manually washed with freshwater by farmers and traders to get a better price. Farmers and traders used bamboo basket, plastic crate, plastic bag and jute sack for packaging of vegetables. In a financial point of view, washing and grading are a profitable activity to the traders.

Knowledge Management: Journal