Post-harvest advice ‘Reduce waste through better packaging’

Pakistan produces 15 million tonnes fruits and vegetables but 20 to 40 per cent of it is wasted during transportation

MULTAN:

“Pakistan produces around 15 million tonnes fruits and vegetables but 20 to 40 per cent of it is wasted during transportation,” said Agriculture Department spokesman Naveed Asmat Kahloon said on Monday.

In a statement, the spokesman said it was hoped that the rural roads programme would address the issue. He said the Punjab contributed nearly 60 per cent to the total national production of fruit and vegetables.

He said better transportation facilities would greatly reduce waste. He said the rural roads plan was expected to complete in three years.

The spokesman advised farmers to adopt proper post-harvest techniques for  handling fruits and vegetables. He said their packing should match international standards to ensure that perishable items could reach the consumer in good shape.

“Proper packaging minimises chances of damage,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 2^nd, 2015.