Abstract:
A study was conducted to determine the present status of postharvest handling
including loss assessment and marketing of banana along with constraints and to
make probable suggestions to address the identified constraints. The survey was made
in selected areas of Bangladesh. Altogether 35 farmers (small, medium and large) and
35 intermediaries (faria, bepari, aratdar and retailers) were interviewed through
structured questionnaires during the period from mid September to November 2005.
The results of the study indicated that per hectare net returns of large farmers (Tk.88,
259) were comparatively higher than those of the medium (Tk.86, 149) and small
(Tk. 71, 209) farmers while per hectare gross returns of medium farmers (Tk.197, 207)
were comparatively higher than those of large (Tk. 191,232) and small (Tk.190, 037)
farmers. Per bunch banana (85 fingers) marketing cost of aratdar (11.00) was
comparatively higher than those of faria (6.00), bepari (8.50) and retailers (9.00).
Postharvest losses of banana were 25%. Maximum postharvest loss was found at
transportation levels. Marketing losses in banana owing to fruit injuries and fruit
diseases were estimated at 17% (Tk. 144840) and 8% (Tk. 68160), respectively.
Faulty harvesting procedure, loading and unloading, inadequate care during transport
and stowage of banana bunches in transit and transport, vibration and compression
during transportation caused cracks, cuts, punctures and blemishes. The wholesalers
and their agents mainly determined the market price of banana. The total marketing
cost was established at 12% (3% by producers, 3% by traders, 4% by wholesalers and
2% by retailers). The negligent attitude towards postharvest handling, lack of quality
consciousness and absence of food processing units and unavailability of modem
transport and cold storages are responsible for huge postharvest losses. The marketing
problems were identified as inadequate transport and marketing facilities, perceived
exploitation by middlemen in controlling the market price through their coherent
association. Adequate and timely supply of inputs ensure, improvement of transport
and communication system, development of storage facilities, market facilities and
establishment of processing plants etc. may go a long way in solving the problems.