Technological development in Sri Lanka's agriculture

 Post Harvest and Value addition.....

What is the Post Harvest and value addition? 

Post-harvest

Post-harvest activities refer to the handling, storage, processing, and transportation of agricultural products after they have been harvested from the field.

30% of the content is lost due to various reasons from the time of harvesting to consumption by the people. Post-harvest technology is the technique to reduce this loss. 

Post harvest processing of fruits and vegetable is a crucial step in the agricultural value chain occurs after harvesting and before consumption or further distribution. this process involves a series of activities aimed at preserving the quality, extending the shelf life, and adding.

Objectives of post harvest

Preservation: Minimizing losses due to spoilage, decay, or pests.

Quality maintenance: Ensuring that the products retain their nutritional value, flavor, and appearance.

Value retention: Preventing economic losses by preserving the market value of the products.

Common post-harvest activities:

• Cleaning and sorting
• Grading and packing
• Storage
• Transportation
• Processing

Value addition 

Value addition involves enhancing the economic value of a product at each stage of the supply chain. This can be achieved through various processes and activities that improve the product's quality, attractiveness, and marketability.

Objectives of Value addition

Increased market value: Adding features or improvements that make the product more desirable to consumers.

Diversification: Creating new products or derivatives from the original agricultural produce.

Profitability: Generating higher profits for farmers and other stakeholders in the supply chain.

Examples of value addition

• Processing raw agricultural products into packaged goods (e.g., turning tomatoes into ketchup or fruits into jams).
  
  
  
• Branding and packaging to enhance market appeal.
• Developing new products or by-products from agricultural raw materials.
• Implementing quality control measures to meet specific market standards.
  
  
  

The combination of effective post-harvest activities and value addition can contribute significantly to the overall success and sustainability of the agricultural sector. It not only benefits farmers by increasing their income but also ensures a more reliable and higher quality food supply for consumers. Additionally, it can contribute to rural development by creating job opportunities in processing and related industries.

Post-Harvest and Value adding Process

The post-harvest and value-adding processes are crucial stages in the agricultural supply chain. These processes are designed to enhance the quality, shelf life, and economic value of agricultural products. Here's a more detailed breakdown of the key steps involved in these processes:

1. Harvesting:

• Definition: The process of gathering mature crops from the fields.
• Key considerations: Timing, proper harvesting techniques, and use of appropriate tools to avoid damage.

2. Cleaning and Sorting:

• Cleaning:
  • Removal of dirt, debris, and unwanted materials from the harvested produce.
• Sorting:
  • Categorizing products based on size, color, and quality.
  • Removal of damaged or defective items.

3. Grading and Packing:

• Grading:
  • Assigning quality grades to the products based on predetermined standards.
• Packing:
  • Packaging the products in suitable containers, considering factors like ventilation, protection, and preservation.
  • Labeling with information such as origin, quality, and nutritional content.

4. Storage:

• Definition: Preserving the quality of products for an extended period until they are ready for distribution.
• Methods: Cold storage, controlled atmosphere storage, and proper humidity control.
• Purpose: Minimize spoilage, maintain freshness, and regulate ripening.

5. Transportation:

• Definition: Moving the products from farms to processing units or markets.
• Considerations: Efficient logistics, temperature control (if necessary), and minimizing transit time to maintain product quality.

6. Processing (Value Addition):

• Definition: Transforming raw agricultural products into processed goods with higher market value.
• Examples: Turning tomatoes into ketchup, fruits into jams, or grains into flour.
• Purpose: Enhance taste, convenience, and shelf life, creating products with broader market appeal.

7. Packaging and Branding:

• Packaging:
  • Designing attractive and functional packaging to protect and market the products.
• Branding:
  • Establishing a brand identity to differentiate the products in the market.

8. Quality Control:

• Definition: Implementing measures to ensure that the products meet specific quality standards.
• Methods: Regular testing, inspections, and adherence to regulatory requirements.

9. Market Distribution:

• Definition: Getting the products to retailers or directly to consumers.
• Considerations: Efficient distribution networks, maintaining product integrity during transit, and meeting market demand.

10. Marketing and Sales:

• Marketing: Promoting the products through advertising, promotions, and other marketing strategies.
• Sales: Facilitating the exchange of products for money or other forms of compensation.

11. Feedback and Improvement:

• Collecting feedback: Monitoring consumer feedback and market trends.
• Continuous improvement: Adapting processes based on feedback to enhance product quality and market competitiveness.
  
  
  

The successful execution of these post-harvest and value-adding processes contributes to the overall economic viability of the agricultural sector and ensures a sustainable food supply chain.