Pre and Postharvest Losses and Marketing of Grapes in Afghanistan: Case Study in Mirbachakot, Shakardara and Kalakan Districts of Kabul

抄録

Grape is one of the most commonly produced and globally well-known fruit crops. And also grape is the major fruit species grown in Afghanistan that accounts 48% of the total fruit growing area. Reduction of post-harvest losses is the indispensable challenge in the country, hence to increase the availability of fruits and vegetables. However, the purpose of this study is to determine the pre and post-harvest losses of grape at stages of marketing and distribution. A questionnaire survey was conducted in Mirbachakot, Shakardara and Kalakan districts of Kabul province, Afghanistan. A total 60 farmers, including contractors, wholesalers and retailers were randomly selected and interviewed across in the study areas, using structured and semi-structured questionnaire sheet during the months of August-September in 2016. Based on the result of questionnaire, pre-harvest loss of grape from large, medium and small by 14%, 13 and 12%, respectively. Similarly, total post-harvest losses of grapes; Contractor loss, 9.0%, Wholesaler loss, 10.3% and Retailer loss 12.0%. In addition, there are many other causes such as, insect attack, diseases, dropping, mummification, water berries, improper packing and transportation. All these factors contribute and significantly declining the grape production. It can be suggested that grape growers would be trained on the subject of pre and post-harvest management and marketing practices.