Post harvest losses and the role of intermediaries in the vegetable supply chain

Abstract

Agricultural sector in Sri Lanka produces more than 80 varieties of fruits and vegetables, and the development of the sector along with the improvement of quality and efficiency can provide significant benefits to the economy through domestic and export marketing. The majority of the farmers involved in the fruits and vegetable sector are small scale farmers and the supply chain is majorly controlled by the intermediaries. Malpractices committed by farmers as well as intermediaries throughout different stages of the vegetable supply have been the primary causes of post-harvest losses. This paper examines the role of intermediaries along the vegetable supply chain and identifies factors contributing to the postharvest losses. The results are based on an in-depth personal interview with 7 industry personnel. The results revealed improper packaging, malpractices during transportation, careless handling, and unsuitable harvesting practices as major causes of post-harvest losses. The research also points out how the lack of obligation and the connectivity among intermediaries toward a common goal of an efficient and effective vegetable supply chain in Sri Lanka leads to current issues in the vegetable supply chain. The paper discusses factors with reference to the available literature, derive policy implications and provide directives for future research.