Postharvest losses of vegetables in fruit markets: a case study in the semi-arid region of Bahia, Brazil

摘要

Brazil is among the ten largest mango producers in the world, and the state of Bahia accounts for more than 40% of national production. In the municipality of Guanambi/BA, mango farming is one of the main sources of income for producers from the Farmers' Co-op of the Irrigated Perimeter in Ceraima. Within the stages of production, it is important to identify the failures in the processes that involve the harvest and postharvest activities of mangoes in order to ensure a good quality product. This study aims to identify the processes that occur during the harvest and postharvest operations of mangoes in the Irrigated Perimeter of Ceraima, Guanambi, Bahia, Brazil. Harvest and postharvest activities were monitored on eight farms by means of direct observation and interviews. Based on this research, a flow chart of the work processes was designed and the relationship between failure and risk was established. The harvest took place in periods of high temperatures and insolation in 50% of the properties.In regards to fruit selection, excessive and neglectful management practices, as well as lack of knowledge, were identified in seven of the eight properties evaluated. Fruit was placed in dirty boxes and stored in unfavourable hygienic conditions on most of the properties. On all properties, the boxes of mangoes were transported in dirty vehicles without any protection from the sun, wind or rain. Increased awareness and attention from farmers during the work processes could reduce losses and consequently improve farmers' profitability.