A proposal on:

Identification of efficient packaging and transportation methods to

minimize post harvest loss of tomatoes

Submitted to:
Mrs. Kalyani Mishra
Lecturer, Course in-charge
Department of Horticulture
Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science
Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal

Submitted by:
Praveen Sapkota
Class Roll No: 19
Exam Roll No:
BSc Ag 6th Semester
IAAS Rampur, Chitwan
Nepal

July 2006

Praveen Sapkota, 2006 july 1

Section A
Total Budget: Rs. 7, 11, 792

Duration of Research: Start-August 2006

End- August 2008

Project location: Rampur, Chitwan

Date of submission: July 4th 2006

Project title: Identification of efficient packaging and transportation methods to

minimize post harvest loss of tomatoes.

Project Coordinator: Praveen Sapkota

Rampur Chitwan Nepal
Tel: 9845026716
Email add: praveenmusic@hotmail.com
praveenmusic@gmail.com
sapkotapraveen@yahoo.com

Collaborators:
Socio economist: Sarbottam Piya
Post harvest horticulturist: Rakesh Awale
Out reach officer: Santosh Adhikari
Lab technician: Diwash Bista
District agriculture development office, Chitwan

Responsible Organization: IAAS, Rampur

Praveen Sapkota, 2006 july 2

Praveen Sapkota, 2006 july 3
 LOGICAL FRAMEWORK
Narrative summary OVI MOV Important assumptions
Goal- Farmers income increased By Aug 2008, farmers -Visited report Biotic and abiotic factor
through identification of income increased by 20% remain suitable.
efficient packaging and
transportation method
Purpose- Identification of By Aug,2008, post harvest -Market Farmers will adopt the
efficient packaging and losses reduces by 20% observation technology
transportation method to
reduce post harvest losses.
Output-
(1) Efficient packaging and By Jan, 2007, Most efficient -Report Most efficient packaging and
transportation method to packaging and transportation methods is
reduce post harvest losses transportation method among the available
identified identified. packaging and transportation
By Jan, 2007, Most effective Field method.
(2) Effective technology for technology for efficient observation Technology will be cost
efficient packaging and packaging and effective minimizing post
transportation method transportation method harvest losses.
generated. generated.
By July, 2007, good quality
reports, pump lets Report
(3) Research finding published. published. Budget will be available
By Jan. 2008, 100 farmers
and traders trained. Field visit
(4) Dissemination and extension Adequate extension personnel
of the technology. and budget will be available.
Activities
1.1 Collection of By Aug, 2006, information Report Information will be available
information about different collected at least about 5 about packaging and
types of packaging and packaging and transportation methods.
transportation methods. transportation methods.
By Oct, 2006, Field survey Report Farmers and traders will co-
1.2 Field survey to know conducted to know operate.
deferent packaging and different packaging and
transportation methods. transportation methods.
By Jan, 2007, Most efficient
packaging and Field Budget will be available.
1.3 Field trial to identify transportation method observation
and transportation method. identified.
By March 2007, information Past reviews will be available
2.1 Past reviews about effective About effective technology Report
technology for efficient for efficient packaging
packaging and transportation available.
method. By may 2007 analysis of Budget will be available.
result. Report
3.1 Analysis of the result By Sept, 2007 at least 1 Budget will be available
leaflet published. Report
3.2 Published in leaflet By Dec,2007, 100 farmers Farmers and Traders will Co-
and traders Gathered Report operate.
4.1 Gathering farmers and By Jan,2008;at least 100 Budget will be available.
traders farmers trained, 5 Report
Demonstration
4.2 field demonstration and ByMarch,2008,frequent Farmers and traders will Co-
training
Praveen Sapkota, 2006 july follow for 5 times Annual report operate. 4
4.3 Frequent follow up
Section B

PROJECT INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

Background
Tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill), belongs to the nightshade or Solanaceae
family and to the genus Lycopersicon, is grown all over the world. The genus
comprises a few species of annual or short-lived perennial, herbaceous plants. It
is a warm-season plant and requires relatively long growing season to produce
profitable yields. It is used as salads, soups, sauces, juice and in several cooked
forms (Saini, 1996).It is grown in nearly all home gardens and a large percentage
of market gardeners and truck growers. As a processing crop it ranks first among
the vegetables. Tomato is one of the most highly praised vegetables consumed
widely and it is a major source of vitamins and minerals. (Shanmugvelu, 1981).
The areas under tomato crop and number of farmers growing tomato have been
increasing due to high income obtained from this crop compared to cereals and
other annual crops (Budhathoki et al., 2001). It is estimated that 22,000 hectares of
land is under tomato in Nepal with productivity of 10.5 ton/ha. This
productivity is lower as compared to that of world (25.7tonnes/ha) (Zhiling et
al., 2000). The poor productivity is due to the factors partly associated with the
pre-harvest practices and partly with the lack of appropriate post harvest
techniques post harvest factors include the lack of cold storage facilities,
transport problem, lack of sound marketing facilities post harvest diseases,
insects and pest (Budhathoki et al., 2001). Post harvest losses of tomato are a
paramount factor that should be considered by all. In fact, the amount of losses
recorded after harvesting reflects the efficiency of the marketing system. A
mostly post harvest loss of tomato occurs during packaging and transportation.
Assessments on postharvest deterioration have shown loss of 20 –30% while
transporting from field to market. The rate of losses depends upon the produce
itself and upon environment, establishing each produce requirements for post
harvest handling.

What problems or need is the project aimed at?

Tomato is a perishable vegetable crop and has higher degree of post harvest loss,
Due to its perishable nature; farmers are losing a bulk of the produce each year.
After harvest packaging materials and transportation also play significant role in
postharvest losses. Bamboo baskets and crates are mostly used in terai regions,
while Doko are used in hilly areas. The main causes that post-harvest handling
practices are not efficient. Physical losses and quality reduction are significant
under the local traditional packaging and transpiration procedures Baskets and
sacks are carried on top of buses, which results in rough handling conditions that
are the main factors responsible for high losses and quality reduction. Pressure
due to high load also play vital role in quality deterioration of tomatoes.

Praveen Sapkota, 2006 july 5

Tomatoes get bruised, pierced, squeezed due to improper handling and undergo
different level of deterioration. These types of post harvest losses causes’ loss of
investments and labor and on the other hand, create environmental pollution
(Bistha, 2002). Additional monetary losses are also incurred due to damaged
produce, which brings lower prices in the market.

Who will be the beneficiaries?

All the farm families who are engaged in commercial cultivation, handling,
packaging and marketing will get the beneficiaries.

Praveen Sapkota, 2006 july 6

Section C

What work has previously been done or currently pursued towards purpose
and activities of the project?

Raconsley has reported that the post harvest losses could be reduced from
15-30% by using “upright cone” baskets together with dry grass as packaging
materials between layers of fruit in place of “inverted cone” baskets.
Ben- Yehoshua et al., investigated the effects individual seal packaging of
tomato fruits in a 10-mm thick film of high density polythene on the
development of fruit blemishes to be effective.
Devkota and Ghale, 1992 stated that the post harvest loss in tomato crops
in Nepal was upto 17.85% during marketing affair. Various methods of
packaging tomatoes are currently in use. For local markets little attention is given
to method of packaging or to the kind of package used. The top layer of fruit is
often placed by hand and too often this layer of fruit is much better than the
reminder in the package (Thompson, 1931). Results of several studies have
shown that the major problem in tomato production and marketing is lack of
efficient packaging and transportation methods.
Gautam et al., (2002) conducted participatory rural appraisal at major
tomato growing areas of Dhading, Kavre, Chitwan and Kalimati market and
reported 10-15% post harvest loss. This loss was mainly due to improper
handling practices.
Specific research conducted in Teari (Lalbandi), in Kalimati market, and in
retail shops in Kathmandu, showed that backsets and sacks carried on the top of
buses, results in rough handling conditions, and are the main factors responsible
for high losses and quality reduction. So, farmers and traders in Lalbandi,
subsequently decided to begin using mini-trucks with full loads of tomato in
plastic crates (Shakya, 1995).
According to Spillman and Davis, (1929) the containers most commonly
used for the shipment of tomatoes are the 6-basket crate, the 4-basket flat, the
California box, the New Jersey 20-quart crate and the Climax basket. In the first
two the fruits are packed in till baskets, while in the others they are packed
without sub containers. Spill man and Davis state over 50 percent of the carload
shipments are, made in the 6-basketand the 4-basket crate.
Agnihotri and Ram in 1970 had reported that the treatment of tomato
fruit with 6 and 9% waxol-o- emulsion prolong the post harvest life by retarding
ripening and minimizing loss of weight during handling and transportation.
Work and Carew in 1970 have reported that vegetables should be packed so as to
give a good finish to the package. This means orderly arrangement, smooth
surface and usuallu a reasonable bulge or arch.
The practice of wrapping tomatoes in paper before packing is common
one in many regions where the crop is grown for shipment. Wrapped fruits stand

Praveen Sapkota, 2006 july 7

long distance shipment better than unwrapped fruits. Wrapping adds to the
expense and results of studies.

Section D
Outputs and activities
The consumption and demand of tomato is increasing every year in Nepal
mainly due to rapid growth in urban population. Tomatoes are considered as
high value crop by APP. They are the cheap source of nutrients and income per
unit area of land is high compared to other crops. They are also less risky to grow
than fruits and provide quicker return as seasonal crop: so this study is very
necessary to identify suitable post harvest packaging and transportation
methods, which will go a long way to prevent the post-harvest loss and
eventually encourage poor farmers for more intensive and extensive cultivation
of this crop. The production of tomato is not able to meet the market demand
due to high post-harvest losses and tomatoes have to be imported form India.
So this study is necessary to identify efficient post harvest handling which
will help to reduce post harvest losses and to meet the market demand, which in
turn will help to maintain domestic demand. Farmers are reluctant about the
storage and packaging materials that have forced them to accept low prices in
the local market even though they produce quality tomato fruits.

Goal:
Farmer's income increased through identification of efficient packaging and
transportation method.

Purpose:
Identification of efficient packaging and transpiration method to reduce post
harvest losses

What are the means of verification for the outputs?

(1) Efficient packing and transporting method to reduce post harvest losses
identified.
(2) Effective technology for efficient packaging and transporting method
generator.
(3) Research findings published.
(4) Dissemination and extension of the technology.

Describe the project activities:

1.1 Collection of information about different types of packaging and
transportation methods.
1.2 Field survey
1.3 Field trial to identify efficient packing and transportation method.

Praveen Sapkota, 2006 july 8

2.1 Reviews of past work
3.1 Analysis of the result.
3.2 Publications
4.1 Gathering farmers and traders.
4.2 Field demonstration and training to the farmers and traders.
4.3 Frequent follow-up procedures.

Methodology of activities

1.1 Collection of information about different types of packaging and

transportation methods.
Multidisciplinary team including postharvest specialist, socio economist
1.2 Field survey
Multidisciplinary team of socio economist, post harvest specialist,
environment experts and local tomato traders develop questionnaire and assess
the cost of transportation and demand of good quality tomatoes done by visiting
four cities i.e. Siraha, Bara, Kathmandu, and Nepalgunj.

1.3 Field trail

Different methods of packaging and means of transportation will be used.

2.1. Review of past work

Effective technology for efficient packaging and transportation method
collected from books, internet, and 2 member will visit different cities of India
namely, Banglore, Mumbai. Calcutta.

3.1 Analysis of result

Data processing will utilize Microsoft excel for quantitative and
qualitative analysis. Descriptive statistical tools like frequency count, percentage,
mean will be used according to the need of he dimension of the study where ever
required.

3.2 Publications
Research findings will be published in national and international papers/
journals and also will be distributed to the local farmers and traders.

4.1 Gathering farmers and traders.

Farmers and traders representing the major tomato-growing region will
be selected and seminar will be conducted to disseminate the newly generated
technology and information about the improved packaging and transportation
method.

4.2 Field demonstration and training to the farmers and traders.

Praveen Sapkota, 2006 july 9

 Field demonstration and training will be conducted to farmers and traders
in order to help them to adopt new improved technology.

4.3 Frequent follow-up procedures.

A team including post harvest specialist, representative of local growers
and traders will frequently visit major growing areas to check the adoption of
new technology.

Beneficiaries
1. Primary beneficiaries
Tomato-growing farmers
2. Secondary beneficiaries
Wholesalers,
Retailers
Middleman
3. Tertiary beneficiaries
Consumers
Developmental workers
Academics
Researchers
Section E:

Personal involved
Post harvest specialist: Indra Bahadur Thapa
Socio-economist: Pramod Gautam
Trader: Secretary of traders’ union.
Farmers groups

Risk and Assumptions

1. Local growers and traders will co-operate with the researcher.

2. Active participation of collaborator.

3. Fund will be available at time.

4. Most efficient packaging and transportation method will be selected.

5. Biotic and abiotic factor remain favorable.

Praveen Sapkota, 2006 july 10

 Gant Chart

Aug Sept. Oct. No. Dec Jane Feb Mar. Apr. MayJuneJuly. Aug. Sep.Oct. Nov. Dec.Jan FebMar. Apr. May.Jun. July. Au.
Activity Description 06 06 06 06 06 07 07 07 07 07 07 07 07 07 07 07 07 08 08 08 08 08 08 08 08
No.
1.1 Collection of
Information
1.2 Field survey
1.3 Field trial to
identify
efficient
packaging and
transpiration
method
2.1 Past reviews
about effective
technology
3.1 Analysis
3.2 Published in
leaflets
4.1 Gathering
Farmers and
traders
4.2 Field
demonstration
and training
4.3 Frequent
follow-up

Section F :
Total financial support requested as budget summary:

S. N. Items Year 1 (NRS) Year2 (NRS) Year3 (NRS) Total (NRS)

Praveen Sapkota, 2006 july 11

 1 Staff cost 1,52,000 33,000 29,000 2,14,000
2 Operational cost
Transportation 58,000 23,000 12,000 93,000
TADA 5,000 4,400 2,000 11,400
Telephone 15,000 10,000 4,000 29,000
Surfing 1,000 570 190 1,760
Security 13,000 13,000 13,000 39,000
3 Equipments and
supply
Packing materials ------------ 20,000 --------------- 20,000

4 Training and 30,000 45,000 1,10,000 1,85,000

publication
Subtotal 5,93,160
Over head 5% 88,974
Contingency 5% 29,658

GRAND TOTAL 7,11,792

Praveen Sapkota, 2006 july 12

References

Agnihotri, B.N. and H. B. Ram, 1970. Prog. Hort ., 2(3) 63-66.

Ben Yehoshua, S. I. Kobiler and B. Shaprio, 1980. Effects of individual seal
packaging of fruits in film and high density polythene (HDPE) on various
postharvest blemishes of citrus and tomatoes. Hort, Sci. Abstract, 15: 93
Budathoki, K., P.R. Bhurtyal and N.G. Pradhan. 2001. Effect of rain shelter on off-
season fresh tomato production in the hills of Nepal. In: South Asia Vegetable
Research Network Phase II. Proceedings of the final workshop 3-8 June 2001,
Bangkok, Thailand.
Devekota, L.N. and M.S. Ghale. 1992. In A.K. Thomson (Ed). 1996. Post harvest
technology of fruit and vegetables. Blackwell science Ltd., 25 John street,
London, pp. 11-12.
Paul Work and John Carew, 1970. Vegetable production and marketing, New
York state college of Agriculure, Cornell University.
Rawnsley, J, Crop storage technical report no.1 , Food Research and
Development Unit, Ministry of Agriculture , Accra, Ghana, Food and
Agriculture Organization, Rome , Italy, 1998.
Saini, G.S. 1996. A textbook of vegetable production. Aman Publishing House,
Meerut, India.
Shakula, Ganesh. 1995. Studies made on post-harvest handling on Fresh
vegetable. Pp. 89-90. IN: D.K. Saraf and N.J. Thapa (ed). Proceeding of the
seminar/workshop on vegetable sector development in Nepal (1995), His
Majesty Government, Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture
Development, Vegetable Development division, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Shanmugvelu, K.G., 1981. Production Technology of vegetables crops.
Spillman, H. A. and R. W. Davis, 1929. Containers used in shipping fruits and
vegetables Farmers’ bull, 1579.
Thompson, H. C. 1931. Vegetable crops. 2nd edn. Mc Graw-hill book company,
inc., New York.
Zniling, W., P.P. Subedi, M. Gajewski, K.A. vowoter and E.J. Ekefan. 2000. Post
harvest technology of field grown tomato: Present situation and future
prospect. International course on research and development in post harvest
biology and technology, the volkani center, Bet Degan, 50250 Israel- 2nd
February,- 1 March 2000.

Praveen Sapkota, 2006 july 13