Harnessing the Power of Post-harvest

“Unlocking Sustainable Solutions for Our Planet”

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United Nations Goal

The United Nations calls for a 50% reduction in food loss by 2030 to enhance global food security and public health.

A bold stand to tackle one of the world’s most pressing challenges. With a vision to enhance global food security and promote public health, the organisation urges individuals and communities to join forces to achieve this goal.

To achieve this transformative goal, the UN advises linking these reductions to climate change targets and adopting sustainable practices for the utilisation of our precious natural resources. With concerted efforts across the globe, we can pave the way for a healthier planet and a more sustainable future. 

Effective Management & Technology

With a focus on root vegetable within this post, the key to minimising food waste lies in effective management of postharvest supply chains. Maintaining uncompromised quality requires careful oversight at every stage, from the farm to the packing facility to the consumer’s table.

Harnessing innovation and cutting-edge technology is the key to achieving our goals. State-of-the-art sensors and data analysis have emerged as powerful tools in combating food loss and benefiting all stakeholders along the supply chain.

What can be the cause post-harvest losses in root vegetables?  

Root vegetables are a staple in many cultures and are essential to sustaining life. However, post-harvest losses can significantly impact the food supply chain, resulting in a shortage of these essential vegetables. There are various causes of post-harvest losses in root vegetables including:

1. Timing
The timing of harvest plays an essential role in the quality of fresh produce and its post-harvest lifespan. For instance, harvesting immature produce, although possible, may jeopardise the desired attributes, like taste and appearance. A significant challenge faced by the industry is balancing the need to ensure that the produce is not harvested too early, which creates a lack of quality, and harvesting late when perishable produce may not last long or catch the best market price. Adhering to the correct harvesting timeline is crucial in ensuring that the produce reaches market with its desired attributes intact.

2. Mechanical Injury
One of the primary causes of post-harvest losses in root vegetables is mechanical injury. Mechanical injury can occur during harvesting, washing, grading, or packaging. For example, if root vegetables are harvested with a machine that is not properly adjusted, the vegetables can be damaged. Additionally, if root vegetables are washed with a high-pressure hose, the water can cause the vegetables to bruise.

2. Microbial Action
Another major cause of post-harvest losses in root vegetables is microbial action. Microbial action is the growth of microorganisms on the surface of the vegetables. This can occur if the vegetables are not washed properly or if they are stored in an environment that is too warm or humid. Microbial action can cause the vegetables to rot and unfit for consumption.

3. Secondary Causes
In some cases, post-harvest losses in root vegetables can be caused by secondary factors such as pests or diseases. For example, if root vegetables are infested with insects, the insects can damage the vegetables and make them unsellable. Additionally, if root vegetables are infected with a disease, the disease can cause the vegetables to rot.

4. Cultural Operations
Cultural operations such as irrigation and fertilisation can also affect post-harvest losses in root vegetables. If irrigation is not properly managed, it can lead to waterlogging, which can damage the roots of the plants and make the vegetables more susceptible to rotting. Similarly, if fertilisers are not applied properly, they can burn the roots of the plants and make the vegetables more susceptible to damage.

5. Harvesting and Field Handling
The way in which root vegetables are harvested and handled in the field can also affect post-harvest losses. If the vegetables are not harvested properly, they may be damaged, which will make them more susceptible to rotting or being infested with pests or diseases. Furthermore, if the vegetables are not handled properly during transport from the field to the storage facility, they may be damaged or bruised, which will also increase the likelihood of post-harvest losses.

6. Washing, Cleaning and Grading
Washing, Cleaning and grading root vegetables before storage is another important factor that can affect post-harvest losses. If the vegetables are not washed properly, they may be contaminated with bacteria or other microbes that can cause them to rot. It is essential to ensure they are thoroughly washed and trimmed. These practices are designed to rid the produce of any unwanted debris, illness, and damage. Processing also improves the presentation of the vegetables, rejecting the wonky, ugly produce giving them a more visually appealing appearance. 

7. Packaging
The type of packaging used for root vegetables is also a critical factor that can affect post-harvest losses. If the wrong type of packaging is used, it may not protect the vegetables from mechanical damage, microbial contamination, or adverse weather conditions

Post-Harvest Loss Statistics.

Post-harvest loss statistics are important for understanding the magnitude of the issue and how to best address it.  According to FAO, global post-harvest losses amount to roughly one-third of all food produced. In developing countries, these losses can be as high as 40–50%. This means that annually, up to 1.4 billion metric tons of food is lost along the supply chain from farm to fork. Furthermore, it has been estimated, according to The United States Environmental Protection Agency that post-harvest losses account for 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. It is clear that this issue has significant economic and environmental impacts that must be addressed.

Innovation and the future

As we continue to work with numerous companies in the post-harvest industry, we remain dedicated to finding innovative solutions that push beyond traditional methods. Our focus lies in custom-made machines and production lines that prioritise efficiency, quality, ergonomics, and safety. Additionally, we understand the importance of sustainability and are committed to collaborating with partners who share this perspective. With the future in mind, we strive to make a difference through our innovative approach to lessening waste and finding new, eco-friendly solutions.

Stay tuned for our future blog posts highlighting the cutting-edge technology we are adopting.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you save time and money while doing your part for the planet.

Industry progress relies on forward-thinking.  We believe we can help change the post-harvest landscape for the better.

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