Cutting Down on Post harvest Losses

To meet the growing food needs of developing countries, there has been increasing pressure to improve yields in indigenous agriculture. In many places, this has been achieved through the use of higher-yield crops, better irrigation, larger cultivated areas and the introduction of additional growing seasons. But inadequate post-harvest facilities and practices mean much of the benefit is lost especially in tropical countries, where post harvest losses can be as high as 50 % of yield. Close attention to techniques of storage, packaging, transport, pest control, food technology and so on can improve matters, provided these activities are based on scientific research, good management and appropriate training to produce the desired results. To improve access to the many widely scattered sources of expertise in post harvest technology available in the United Kingdom, Silsoe College and Rural Investment Overseas have jointly established the Post-harvest Development Unit. This is based at Silsoe College, a Faculty of the Cranfield Institute of Technology. The unit is able to coordinate projects to solve 'in field ' problems, assist in setting up joint venture companies for local assembly operations and marketing and to advise on government assistance and aid funding. It also organizes training courses to suit the specific requirements of participants, has facilities for the design, manufacture, testing and supply of specialized equipment and provides other services. For further information consult: Post-harvest Development Unit Silsoe College Silsoe Bedford MK45 4DT UNITED KINGDOM Telex: 825072 CITECH GTo meet the growing food needs of developing countries, there has been increasing pressure to improve yields in indigenous agriculture. In many places, this has been achieved through the use of higher-yield crops, better irrigation, larger..