QUALITY HARVEST AND AGGREGATION
ARTICLES
Losses in the Grain Supply Chain: Causes and Solutions
Abstract: The losses during harvest and storage through toxin contamination are responsible for 690 mt, with a total of 1.741 mt or 83% of the total newly stored grain. Limited cooperation can be experienced between scientific research, plant breeding, plant protection, agronomy, and society, and in addition, their interdependence is badly understood. This study explains the complexity of the grain value chain in order to make decisions on how best to prevent grain losses across the supply chain.
Author/s: Ákos Mesterházy et. al. Year Of Publication: 2020. Download/Link:
Stored grain pests and their identification
Abstract: Several factors, including biotic (insect, pest, rodent, and fungal) and abiotic factors, have an impact on storage losses (temperature, humidity, rain). Insect pests are the most significant biotic factor among all others and significantly reduce grain yields. Losses can be reduced by physically keeping rodents and insects out and by maintaining an atmosphere that doesn't support the growth of microbes. Losses during storage can be minimised by being aware of control points and recognising insects and other pests that cause losses. This document helps the user identify the different stored pests.
Author/s: Rajashree Mandali Year Of Publication: 2020. Download/Link:
Stored grain pests
Abstract: In India, post-harvest losses caused by unscientific storage, insects, rodents, microorganisms etc., account for about 10 per cent of total food grains. The major economic loss caused by grain infesting insects is not always the actual material they consume, but also the amount contaminated by them and their excreta which make food unfit for human consumption. About 500 species of insects have been associated with stored grain products. Nearly 100 species of insect pests of stored products cause economic losses. This document helps identify some of these pests.
Author/s: Eagri.org Year Of Publication: NA. Download/Link:
Training Manual On Postharvest Handling And Marketing Of Horticultural Commodities
Abstract: Fruits and vegetables are very important for human nutrition and health. Diet low in fat and rich in fruits and vegetables, along with exercise and weight control can help prevent some diseases such as heart diseases and some types of cancer. Many phytochemicals found in fruits and vegetables have a remarkable ability to disrupt the formation of tumors and in the prevention of other diseases. Phytochemicals have several modes of actions, but many of them act as antioxidants. The authors hope that we were able to compile a Regional Base that included the most important postharvest technologies such as maturity indices, suitable harvesting timing, preharvest and postharvest handling of crops, fast cooling, preparation of facilities, packing, packaging, transportation and storage. This training manual included more than 29 crops (vegetables, fruits and ornamentals). A separate chapter was dedicated to the marking of crops which covered several topics; most important of which is the quality of crops, quality assurance and available outlets.
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Author/s: Elhadi M. Yahia Publication: NA. Download/Link:
Vegetable Postharvest Training Manual
Abstract: Resource material for the training of trainers (TOT) programs on postharvest management of vegetables. Source of information for the crop-specific and technologyspecific training of end-users (TEU) programs for smallholders. Platform of information that can be used to design similar training courses and as reference material for research and education under developing country setting. References are provided as additional sources of information. It is essential to consult new information to ensure up-to-date knowledge of latest trends and continuously adapt and improve the training materials. Each chapter is presented concisely in bulleted form. Most chapters are linked to practical exercises. The practical exercises, including on-site trainings, provide participants actual experience of the theoretical component thereby reinforcing comprehension of the training topics.
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Author/s: Antonio L. Acedo Jr. et. al. Publication: NA. Download/Link:
A REVIEW ON DAL MILLING MACHINE
Abstract: We know that pulses are necessary component of the human diet in world wide. In our country, approximately 13 million tons of pulses are produced annually and more than 70 % of these pulses are processed by dal mill. The Dal milling industry is one of the major growing industries. The demand of dal is growing day by day hence to meet this demand processing methods has been changed. Various conventional methods are adopted for milling and many machines are available but they are very huge and space consuming. For subsistence farmers cost of milling is unaffordable. A low cost milling machine can be used in dal mills which would help to reduce the cost. Such a convenient and low cost dal milling machine is being represented by us who will be also useful for subsistence farmers. Complete removal of the husk with less generation of powder and broken husks are the main characteristics of milling. Hence we are representing such a dal mill which is compact in size and gives a better output rate than other systems.
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Author/s: Mr. Mayank Gaodi et. al. Publication: NA. Download/Link:
Postharvest Handling
Abstract: Once produce has been harvested, care must be taken to prevent either direct or cross contamination of the crop during grading, washing, packing and shipping. Several foodborne illness outbreaks in fruits and vegetables have been traced back to packing operations. Implementing GAPs and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) during post harvest handling and packing can reduce microbial risks to fruits and vegetables. Adopting post harvest GAPs and GMPs are also good for produce quality since most practices that reduce growth of human microbial pathogens will also reduce post harvest decay.
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Author/s: Cornell. Publication: College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Download/Link:
Perspectives on Postharvest Biopesticides and Storage Technologies for Organic Produce
Abstract: Fewer postharvest technologies are available for use on organic than conventional fruits and vegetables. Even though biopesticides are perceived as likely candidates for postharvest use on organic produce, only some biopesticides will be approved as organic compounds for various reasons. An example is the definition of a biopesticide used by regulatory agencies such as the EPA which includes compounds that will not be considered organically acceptable. Fortunately, there are other existing or new technologies that could be acceptable on organic fruits and vegetables. Some examples are hot water immersion treatment or a hot water rinsing and brushing, new innovative controlled atmosphere techniques, alternative sprout control agents, naturally occurring volatiles and biofumigants. More research is needed on each of these technologies, both singly and in combination with each other.
Author/s: . Publication: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Atlantic Food and Horticulture Research Centre, Kentville, Nova Scotia, Canada Download/Link:
A scoping review of interventions for crop postharvest loss reduction in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia
Abstract: Reducing postharvest losses (PHLs) of food crops is a critical component of sustainably increasing agricultural productivity. Many PHL reduction interventions have been tested, but synthesized information to support evidence-based investments and policy is scarce. In this study, PHL reduction interventions for 22 crops across 57 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia from the 1970s to 2019 were systematically reviewed. Screening of the 12,907 studies identified resulted in a collection of 334 studies, which were used to synthesize the evidence and construct an online open-access database, searchable by crop, country, postharvest activity, and intervention type. Storage technology interventions mainly targeting farmers dominated (83% of the studies). Maize was the most studied crop (25%). India had the most studies (32%), while 25 countries had no studies. This analysis indicates an urgent need for a systematic assessment of interventions across the entire value chain over multiple seasons and sites, targeting stakeholders beyond farmers. The lack of studies on training, finance, infrastructure, policy, and market interventions highlights the need for interventions beyond technologies or handling practice changes. Additionally, more studies are needed connecting the impact of PHL reductions to social, economic, and environmental outcomes related to Sustainable Development Goals. This analysis provides decision-makers with data for informed policy formulation and prioritization of investments in PHL reduction.
Author/s and Publication: Nature Sustainability. Download/Link: