New baskets to minimise wastage

SHIRLEY WIJESINGHE

The Institute of Post-Harvest Technology (IPT) has introduced plastic baskets for vegetable and fruit transporting to minimise the waste caused by damages.

IPT Director, Dulasiri Fernando said more than 40 per cent of vegetable and fruits produced of the country are being destroyed during transport to the market.

IPT has already distributed plastic baskets for transporting vegetables and fruits for the farmers in Keppetipola, Nuwara Eliya, Badulla, Matale, Anuradhapura, Thambuttegama areas on subsidized prices.

The basket are being distributed for the farmers in Polonnaruwa, Hambantota, Kurunegala, Puttalam and Gampaha districts at the 50 per cent off the market price. Last year is budget allocation for supplying of plastic baskets at subsidized prices was Rs. 25 million.