2016 Volume 67 Issue 12 Pages 692-699
The losses of vegetables discarded by growers in the field or in the pre-shipment selection process were assessed. The percentage losses measured for direct-sale growers were 23% for cucumbers and 10% for okra. In contrast, a 15% loss for cucumbers was estimated from crop statistics of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Although direct-sale growers, being close to their customers, are generally believed to have a low loss rate, this study found the rate to be strongly influenced by weather. Cucumber loss due to causes other than rain amounted to 16%, whereas this figure rose to 41% during wet weather. The equivalent figures for okra were 5% and 17%. FAO studies underline the scarcity of data for food loss worldwide. While it is difficult to quantify such losses, there is a need to accumulate data in anticipation of the future transition of agriculture throughout the world.