Authors : O. AbdulGaniy Raji and O. Kazeem Oriola
Abstract: A study on the causes of mechanical losses in handling and packaging of tomatoes at various post-harvest stages in Oyo state Nigeria was carried out. The major wholesale and retail markets serving as depot for tomato farmers and middlemen were visited. This afforded the opportunity to interact with them and observe their practices through interviews, observation and questionnaires. The study revealed that the major causes of mechanical damages resulting in losses incurred are as a result of the type of packaging materials, method of handling and mode of transportation. The containers used for tomatoes are the woven palm baskets which though strong enough for the handling and packaging of tomatoes when properly handled but are found to fail to protect the produce due to the mode of handling. Bad roads also contribute immensely to damages to the containers while loading methods account for losses by crushing in transit. There are indications that this may not only continue but may increase as a result of lack of assistance and proper extension services, the attitude of the farmers, wholesalers and retailers who stick to their method and lack of interest by the policy makers.
O. AbdulGaniy Raji and O. Kazeem Oriola , 2007. Packaging and Handling Methods as Sources of Mechanical Damage in Tomatoes in Transit . Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 2: 1450-1454.