Crates to improve post harvest measures

Priyanka Kurugala

The Post Harvest Technological Institute in Anuradhapura has delivered one million crates to collectors,transporters, wholesalers, and retailers of fruits and vegetables, under a project introduced to improve handling and transportation practices for fruits and vegetables.

Presently between 30-40 percent of fruit and vegetable harvest perishes in transport. Twenty percent harvest is wasted due to unsuitable packing methods and negligent transportation, Post Harvest Technology Institute, Acting Director P.B.Abekoon told the Daily News.

When transporting in vehicles, people use sacks and net bags, packing on top of one another causing part of the product to be smashed. Fruits and vegetables have no ventilation, to retain freshness. After harvesting, careful packing methods are needed, he said.

Categorizing is needed to protect the quality of fruits and vegetables, he said.

There are four kinds of plastic crates that could be bought from the Post Harvest Technological Institute in Anuradhapura, Narahenpita Economic Centre and through other Agriculture Offices. Crates could be bought at 50 percent discount from those places, he said.