Investigating cold chain challenges and smart solu-tions for reducing fruit and vegetable wastage in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Post-Harvest Losses (PHL) smarting fruits and vegetables represent a critical challenge to global food security, particularly in developing nations such as Sri Lanka, where 30–40% of produce is wasted annually. Although cold chain systems are widely recognized as an effective solution for preserving the quality and safety of perishable goods through temperature and humidity control across the supply chain, limited empirical re-search has examined how such systems can be effectively adopted in the Sri Lankan context to reduce waste. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate inefficiencies in handling, storage, and transportation across different supply chains, with particular attention to the potential of smart and affordable cold chain technologies. A qual-itative research design was employed, drawing on fifteen semi-structured expert interviews conducted with stakeholders from supermarket, export, and traditional market supply chains, as well as specialists in post-harvest management and cold chain design. Data were analysed using manual content analysis. Findings reveal that while supermarket and export supply chains demonstrate effective cold chain practices, the normal market supply chain, which serves the majority of the population, suffers severe losses due to poor packaging, rough handling, and a lack of cooling facilities. The study recommends affordable, decentralised cold chain solutions, complemented by farmer training, behavioural change initiatives, and coordinated policy support. Strengthening cold chain adoption in Sri Lanka is essential not only to reduce food wastage but also to enhance food security, improve farmer livelihoods, and build economic resilience.