1. 1
Dr. Sreekanta Sheel 2
1. Introduction
Fruits and vegetables are an important sub-sector in the agricultural sector because they are valued as
protective food. They are very rich source of minerals, vitamins providing more energy per unit weight
than cereals. Bangladesh allows the production of a variety of fruits and vegetables. However, there is a
wide gap between availability and the per capita nutritional requirement of fruits. One of the main reasons
for lower availability of quality fruits and vegetables is considerably high post-harvest losses due to higher
perishability, poor transportation, improper storage and low processing capacity with a growing
population. Similarly, heavy post harvest loss occurs in case of cut flowers as they are also highly
perishable. The increased production of horticultural other agricultural produces will be fully realized only
when they reach the consumers in good condition and at a reasonable price. The post-harvest losses
could be considerably reduced by adopting improved packaging, handling, storage and efficient system of
transport.
Packaging fresh horticultural produces is one of the most important steps in the long and complicated
journey from grower to consumer. Packing and packaging materials contribute a significant cost to the
produce industry; therefore it is important that packers, shippers, buyers, and consumers have a clear
understanding of the wide range of packaging options available. Packaging of horticultural produces is
undertaken primarily to assemble the produce in convenient units for marketing and distribution. The
package must stand up to long distance transportation, multiple handling, and the climate changes of
different storage places, transport methods and market conditions.
In designing packages for horticultural produces, one should consider both the physiological
characteristics of the produces as well as the whole distribution network. The package must be capable of
protecting the produces from the transport hazards; preventing the microbial and insect damage;
minimizing the physiological and biochemical changes and losses in weight. Careful packing of the
produces is necessary to keep the produce in place with minimum shaking.
The present packaging systems for fresh horticultural produces is unscientific. Uses of traditional forms of
packages like bamboo baskets are still prevalent. Other types of packages generally used are
polystyrene bags and gunnysacks. Use of used corrugated fiber board boxes is very limited. Baskets
besides being unhygienic also do not allow adequate aeration and convenience of easy handling and
stocking. Although very recently, in some cases, packaging of fruits and vegetables in plastic crates have
been initiated.
Therefore, considering the long-term needs of eco-systems and to achieve an overall economy, other
alternatives available like plastic crates/trays, corrugated fiberboard boxes, corrugated polypropylene
board boxes, woven sacks, moulded pulp trays/ thermoformed plastic trays, stretched film and shrink
wrapping and other low cost appropriate packaging materials would have to be looked into.
On the other hand, cold storages are meant to preserve the perishable commodities of food items for a
longer period with retention of the original colour, flavour and taste. However, each commodity or item
1
Paper presented in the International Conference on “Logistics and Supply Chain Management in Food
Industry, 2014” held on 25 January, 2014 at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET),
Dhaka, Bangladesh
2 Logistics (Transportation and Storage) Expert, Supply Chain Development Component, National Agricultural
Technology Project (NATP), Hortex Foundation, 22, Manik Miah Avenue, Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.
Cell: +8801714 083 764

2. 2
has certain life and they cannot be stored even in a cold storage for indefinite period. Storage beyond
certain period may not be economical as well since payment of rent of cold storage increases the cost of
the item. Hence, cold storages are used for high value items or when prices crash down due to bumper
crop or for such items which are grown during the season but there is a demand round the year or for
storing the commodities during transition period in the supply chain.
Refrigerated storage which includes cold storage and frozen food storage is the best known method of
preservation of food to retain its value. Preservation of food by proper storage assumes great importance
in a country like Bangladesh where food shortage is a perennial problem. Several kinds of fruits and
vegetables are cultivated seasonally depending on rainfall land other climatic conditions. These have to
be preserved both at producing and assembly centers as well as consuming centers, and by employing
correct storage practices it is possible to store them for a range of periods depending on the nature of the
produces.
Small scale cold storages are available in the country is of 20 MT covering the floor space area of 400 sq-
ft with the height of 16 ft. Fruits and vegetables with compatible groups (in terms of temperature and
humidity) are stored at the amount up to 15 MT. Establishment cost of such cold storage may be of not
less than BDT 35 Lac and the power consumption is around 12 kW per hour. Although the temperature
control in such type of cold storage is possible in the wide ranges from freezing to ambient condition and
with this facility all types of horticultural produces may be stored well, but the overhead cost including
power consumption is comparatively much higher.
Therefore, it is necessary to find out low-cost storage system to be adopted especially, at the production
and assembly centers. In this perspective, there is potentiality for i) Zero Energy Evaporative Cooler, ii)
small scale low-cost cold storage using modified room air conditioner and iii) CoolBot technology for small
scale cold rooms.
Hortex Foundation has been entrusted to implement for the Supply Chain Development Component of
the National Agricultural Technology Project (Funded by the World Bank, IFAD and Govt. of Bangladesh).
The Foundation assisted in the implementation of the component by promoting more equitable supply
chain governance and market linkages for selected high value agricultural commodities. In the
component, an important mandate was to transfer appropriate technologies on packaging, storage and
transportation of horticultural produces to the stakeholders. In this context, existing situation was
assessed and some relevant interventions were provided in the field. On the basis of the lesson learnt
from the situation survey and interventions provided, the paper aims at reviewing traditional packaging,
storage and transportation system of fruits, vegetables and cut flowers and its effect on quality and post-
harvest loss, constraints and opportunities in adoption of appropriate technologies on packaging, storage
and transportation system.
2. Existing Packaging and Transportation System
Different types of indigenous packaging materials are being used in packaging of fruits, vegetables and
cut flowers at farmers and traders’ level in Bangladesh. In most cases, the nature and volume of
packages are different in both the cases. The major traditional packaging and transportation systems for
fruits, vegetables and cut flowers at farmers and traders’ level are as follows:
2.1 Packaging and Transportation of Fruits and Vegetables for
Domestic Marketing
2.1.1 Packaging and Transportation at Farmer’s Level (transportation
from farmers’ yard to assembly market)
Khacha: It is a bamboo made basket to carry fruits and vegetable on
rickshaw van. It generally has a capacity of 40-60 kg. Usually 4 ‘khacha’s
are placed on rickshaw van. Also, sometimes 5 ‘khacha’s are placed while Fig. 1. Transportation by
rickshaw van in ‘khacha’

3. 3
one is placed at the top of the others at the middle position of the van (as in Fig.1). Sometimes the
‘khacha’s are also transported in rickshaw (as in Fig.2) while other type of
packages like jute sacks are also loaded in it.
Berri: This special type of package made
temporarily on a rickshaw van creating a partition
with a mat prepared with bamboo slipper or date-
palm leaf (Fig. 3). About 200-300 kg of
vegetables like teasel gourd, bitter gourd, pointed
gourd etc. are kept on it.
Van-top: The van-top it-self acts as a package.
Comparatively bigger sized vegetables like brinjal, snake gourd, ash gourd,
ridged gourd etc. are directly placed on the van-top in such a manner that the
commodities are kept in a steady condition (Fig.4)
Direct loading in floor of tempo: In some cases,
vegetables also loaded directly to the floor of tempo
(Fig.5). While the vehicle filled like direct loading in
a truck.
2.1.2 Packaging and Transportation at Traders Level (transportation from
assembly market to wholesale market):
Jute sack: Jute sack with capacity of 50-60 kg is
also used in transportation of green fruits like
lemon, olive, golden apple and vegetables (Fig.6).
It is also used in farmers’ level transportation.
Polystyrene sack (bag): Polystyrene bags with the capacity of 40-60 kg are
also more often used in transportation of vegetables at traders’ level (Fig.7).
Post-harvest loss of vegetables is too high in this
case as ventilation is too low or more or less
absent in the package.
Bamboo basket with gunny bag: This package
is mostly used in transportation of vegetable in
truck (Fig.8). The package usually contains 75-80
kg of vegetables. These are loaded in truck one above another and about 130
packages are loaded in a truck and thus, about 10MT vegetables are carried
in a truck by this way.
Direct loading in truck: In most cases, vegetables also
loaded directly to truck without packaging (Fig.9). The
commodities are heaped on the truck with a height of 3-4
ft.
Fig. 3. Transportation by
rickshaw van in ‘Berri’
Fig. 4. Transportation by
rickshaw van in ‘Van-top’
Fig. 2. Transportation by
rickshaw in ‘khacha’
Fig. 5. Transportation by
loading in floor of tempo
Fig. 6. Lemon packed in jute
sack
Fig. 7. Vegetables packed in
polystyrene sack
Fig. 9. Vegetables packed by direct loading in truckFig. 8. Vegetables packed in bamboo basket with
gunny bag

4. 4
Drummy pack: A bigger size drum like package is used as transport pack capacity of which, is about
300-400kg. At first, the vegetable like teasel gourd is accumulated as in Fig. 10 and then it is wrapped
with jute sack. A group of 6-8 people load the package into the truck by holding surrounding the drammy
pack. Usually the traders prepare the package at the roadside from where it is loaded to truck.
2.1.3 Packaging and Transportation at
Retailers’ Level
Usually the retailers purchase the commodities
from the
wholesalers in
the same
packages which
were sold by
the traders. But
more often, the
retailers while purchase lower volume of commodity, repack those in
smaller khacha or tookri (bamboo made basket) or gunny bag. The
retailers usually use rickshaw van or rickshaw as transport vehicles.
2.1.4 Consumer pack
In the retail market (‘kancha bazaar’), the consumers usually carry hand
bags in which the vegetables are kept after purchase from the retailer.
However in most cases, the retailers deliver the produces in poly pack/ synthetic cotton bag to the
consumer.
2.2 Packaging of Fruit and Vegetables for Export Marketing
The exporter uses corrugated fiber board cartoon of 5 kg capacity for packaging vegetables. Usually the
commodity are sorted and graded in a shed and packed in corrugated fiberboard carton. The cartons are
re-enforced through tying with jute rope.
2.3 Packaging and Transportation of Cut Flowers for Domestic Marketing
Wrapping with jute sack: Usually roses are stacked putting flower-top inside the pack (Fig. 12 left). A
jute sack is wrapped surrounding the flowers. Gladiolus and tuberoses are
also wrapped with the sack while flower-top keeping up.
Used Corrugated Fiberboard Carton: Used corrugated fiberboard cartons
are also used in packaging the cut flowers. The system is mostly used in
retailers’ level transportation by rickshaw or rickshaw van (Fig. 13).
Fig. 10. Vegetables packed in drummy pack
Fig. 12. Roses packed by wrapping with jute sack and transportation by truck
Fig. 11. Vegetables packed in
corrugated fiber board cartoon for
export marketing
Fig. 13. Transportation of Tube
roses and gladiolus packed in
used corrugated fiber board
cartoon at retailers’ level

5. 5
Bamboo-mat boxes: A box is prepared with bamboo-mat made with
bamboo slippers. About 1000 gerbera flowers are loaded to the boxes (Fig.
14).
Square sized gerbera cup: Standard gerbera
cups are not available in the local market. Hence
the farmers are using a square sized
polypropylene pouch making a hole at the
bottom of the pack (Fig. 15). Through using this
cup, gerbera flower petals are usually entered at the corner of the cup as a
result, the petals are wounded and the flower losses its original shape.
3. Effect of Improper Packaging and Transportation of horticultural produces
3.1 Reducing Shelf-life and Deterioration of Quality
The major causes and effect of the traditional packaging and transportation of horticultural
produces are as follows:
 Lack of aeration due to compression and poor ventilation within package, hinder removal of heat ,
carbon-di-oxide and water and entrance of oxygen as a result, high heat developed in the
package, the produces becomes overripe or softens; produce wilts and develops off-flavours;
decay develops rapidly; and consequently the shelf-life reduces and the quality deteriorates in the
produces
 Exposure of packages to external heat, e.g. direct sunlight, affects the produces towards
deteriorations
 Softening and collapse of stacked packages; squashing of produce in collapsed packages; decay
promotes in damaged produce;
 Sharp objects of the packaging materials bruise the produces, cause deep punctures or cuts in
produce, leading to water loss and rapid decay
 Throwing or dropping of packages, sudden starting or stopping of vehicle, vibration of the vehicle,
speeding loaded vehicle on rough road cause damage the produces
 Oversized containers, containers overfilled or stacked too high or both, collapse of stacked
containers during transport deteriorate the shelf-life and quality of the produces
3.2 Post-harvest Loss of Fruits and Vegetables
Postharvest losses significantly reduce the availability of produce in markets, and widen the price gap
between the producer and consumer. Post-harvest loss of selected of fruit and vegetables for the year
2006-07 are presented in Table 1. Serious quantitative and qualitative losses occur in fresh produce,
during all stages of the complex marketing chain. Results of a study conducted by BARI, 2006 revealed
that the postharvest losses in some selected fruits and vegetables vary between 18% and 37%. An
estimated 1825026 MT of fruits and vegetables are lost during postharvest operations on an annual
(2006) basis. Improper postharvest management practices such as harvesting at incorrect stages of
maturity, improper handling, improper packaging and transportation and inadequate storage facilities are
some of the major reasons for such high postharvest losses.
Fig.15 Square sized
polypropylene pouch cap
used in gerbera
Fig.14 Bamboo-mat box being
used for packaging gerbera

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Table 1. Post-harvest Loss of Selected of Fruit and Vegetables for the Year 2006-07
Post-harvest Loss (%) Total
PH loss
of Crops
(MT)
Crops
Area
(ha)
Production
(MT)
Producer Collector Wholesaler Retailer Total
Mango (In Garden) 29109 259120 2 5 22 4 33 85510
Pineapple (06-07) 16978 238360 2 4 8 4 18 42905
Banana 58818 1004520 2 4 8 6 20 200904
Papaya (In Garden) 1107 33855 6 10 15 4 35 11849
Lime (In Garden) 1956 13835 4 8 14 2 28 3874
Beans 15455 82980 4 6 13 5 28 23234
Carrot 1111 9855 3 6 12 4 25 2464
Cabbage 15287 182685 4 7 9 5 25 45671
Bitter gourd 7949 34445 4 6 11 6 27 9300
Tomato 19417 136935 5 10 15 7 37 50666
Okra 9385 38715 3 10 13 8 34 13163
Eggplant 17820 110910 2 5 6 7 20 22182
Chilies 141490 153955 2 3 5 4 14 21554
Potatoes 139676 5167000 3 4 12 6 25 1291750
Average % Loss 3.3 6.3 11.6 5.1 26.4
Total 7467170 1825026
4. Impacts of SCDC Interventions on Packaging, Storage and Transportation of
Horticultural Produces
The impacts of the SCDC intervention performed in the period of 2010-2013 at the stakeholders’ level are
as follows:
4.1 Harvesting, Packaging and Transportation of Fruits and Vegetables
Improved Lemon Harvester
Harvesting of lemon from the lemon branches having throne is not an easy task. Traditionally, the lemon
farmers use a bamboo harvester having a U-shaped
cut in the narrow end of the bamboo. The problem
being faced by them are frequently bruising of the
harvester end, takes more time and energy for
harvesting operation, frequently damaging the
branches/stems of lemon and less durability of the
bamboo harvester. To overcome these problems, an
improved lemon harvester was developed by the
reporter and introduced at the project site of Delduar,
Tangail. The harvester is made with an aluminum pipe
at which a steel pipe having U-shaped cut is fitted with
a bolt in one end (Fig. 16). This improved lemon
harvester has been widely accepted by the farmers.
Field Transportation Trolley
During manual harvesting of vegetables at sitting condition especially under a mulching, the vegetables
has to be kept in a basket or crate which is usually carried manually by walking in a narrow space having
Fig. 16. Improved lemon harvester

7. 7
a height of less than 3 feet. The operation is hard working and frequently painful for human beings.
Hence, to make the operation easier and to reduce harvesting labour cost and
to make transportation from field to home or market easier a model of field
transportation trolley having capacity of 60-80 kg of vegetables have been
developed and introduced at the project sites of Belabo, Narsingdi and
Delduar, Tangail in cases of field transportation of vegetables and lemon
respectively. The trolley is being used at the project sites (Fig.17).
Packaging and transportation of fruits and vegetables in plastic crates
Demonstration on packaging and transportation of vegetables in plastic crates
were conducted to the CIG members. Vegetables were sorted according to the
cultivar, stage of maturity, extent of damage due to pests and diseases,
malformed parts and color defects. Grading was performed on the basis of
vegetable size, colour, freedom from defects, maturity, uniformity and overall
quality.
Careful packing of vegetables is necessary to keep the produce in place with
minimum shaking. Vegetables are normally packed in layers in plastic crates and in each layer products
are packed alternately placing the beak of one in between the shoulders of two. This method of packing is
easy to follow and quick. It also provides enough room without compressing. Plastic crates are now being
used worldwide as transport pack.
Non-nesting crates have been
supplied as demonstration (Fig.
18, right side picture) to the
farmers’ and traders levels.
Grading, sorting and packing of
vegetables were performed by
farmers who were given price
incentives for quality produce.
The outcome of this
demonstration revealed that the
use of plastic crates for handling
and transportation of vegetables
reduced losses occurring in the
marketing chain from 30% to
10% and the quality and safety of vegetables reaching the consumer were appreciably improved.
The cost benefit analysis of using plastic crates
against the Bamboo Basket with Jute Sack for
transportation of teasle gourd from the Baraicha
Bazar, Belabo, Narsingdi to Chittagong market was
done on the basis of data obtained from the farmers
and traders who were demonstrated on sorting,
grading and packaging and transportation of
vegetables in plastic crates at Belabo, Narsingdi.
It was observed from the implementation of the
demonstration that, Increase in profitability for
farmers due to sorting, grading and using crates (on
the basis of production cost) was observed to be of
6% and the profit increment for farmers due to
sorting, grading and using crates (on the basis of
profit obtained in traditional method) was observed as 17%. The Increase in profitability for traders due
to sorting, grading and using crates (on the basis of total operational cost) was observed to be of 9.7%
Fig. 18. Non-nesting plastic crates introduced in 2010-11 under the project sites
Transported
Fig. 19. Nesting crates made in Bangladesh being
demonstrated at the project sites in 2012
Fig. 17. Field
transportation trolley

8. 8
and the profit increment for traders due to sorting, grading and using crates (on the basis of profit
obtained in traditional method) was observed as 52.4%.
Realizing some demerits of the non-nesting crates requiring same amount of space at the transport
vehicles, nesting crates are being introduced at the project sites. These transport crates require only one
fifth space of their filled in condition. As a result, transport cost has been reduced by using these nesting
crates (Fig. 19). Nesting crates are now widely used in the developed country like China. In Bangladesh,
a manufacturer namely N. Mohahammed Plastics are producing the nesting crates which were used only
in the garments industry. This is the first time in the country the nesting crates made in Bangladesh being
introduced in fruit and vegetables transportation sector by SCDC, NATP.
Passive Modified Atmosphere Packaging (PMAP)
Modified atmosphere and low temperature storage have been
used for many years in many developed countries to reduce
respiration rates and the deterioration of fresh produce. In many
developing countries, fresh produce is generally packed in film
bags (Fig. 20 & 21). A passive modified atmosphere is created
within the package by the respiration process of the fresh
produce, combined with the permeability of the package.
Typically, modified atmospheres consisting of low oxygen and
high CO2
concentrations are
used to reduce
respiration rates and
ethylene production in
fresh produces. Such conditions can also be applied to prevent
browning of the cut surface, retard enzyme activity and to inhibit
microbial growth.
Two types of packaging viz. i) cling wrapping with thin film and
ii) packing in perforated polypropylene film have good
prospects to introduce in the country particularly in superstores.
Packaging of Fresh Cut (Minimally Processed) Fruits and Vegetables
Minimal processing for agricultural crops refers to a method in which as much of the original product as
possible remains in the finished product (Fig. 22).
Market demand of fresh cut fruits and
vegetables is high as consumers are
more conscious in their food choices
but have less time to prepare. The
market outlet for minimally processed
products has expanded from
traditional to exclusive outlets such as
supermarkets, hotels, airlines catering
services.
Consumer demand for convenience and added value means that minimally processed fruits with
extended shelf life will play a significant role in the fruit and vegetables industry in the future. However,
strict application is necessary in sanitation in processing, improved technology in packaging, and intense
commitment to strict attention to maintaining correct low temperatures throughout the cold chain, from
distribution, storage, and display to handling to make a success for the industry.
Fig. 22. Minimal processing of fruits and vegetables
Fig. 20. PMAP with cling wrapping
Fig. 21. PMAP with perforated
polypropylene

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Fig. 23. Zero Energy Evaporative Cooler
4.2 Storage of Fruits and Vegetables
Preservation of Fruits and Vegetables in Zero Energy Evaporative Cooler
Zero Energy Evaporative Cooler (ZEEC) developed by IARI may be used at farmers as well as traders’
level especially at the months of November to May while the relative humidity is comparatively lower (Fig.
23). Zero Energy Evaporative Cooler (ZEEC) acts as a
“Natural Refrigerator” for short term preservation of fruits
and vegetables, milk, eggs, cooked foods etc. at
household level and a “Natural Incubator” for storage of
microbial culture, fermentation, mushroom cultivation,
plant propagation, sericulture etc. It develops bright red
colour during ripening of tomato and golden yellow colour
of banana. The cooler also reduces starch to sugar
conversion during storage of potato. Fruits and vegetables
are stored in plastic crates
within the chamber. The shelf
life of the fruit and vegetables
maintained in the cool
chamber was reported to be
increased from 3 days to 15 days at room temperature.
Steeping Preservation of Green Fruits
Green fruits like green mango, olive, golden apple, aonla etc. can be
preserved up to 9-12 months in ambient condition by steeping preservation
techniques using a solution containing 8.0 per cent salt, 1.25 per cent glacial
acetic acid and 0.1 per cent potassium metabisulphite (KMS) in which the
fruits are soaked in a plastic drum and made it air tight (as in Fig. 24). These
fruits will be available year round which, will be utilized as the raw material
for preparation of pickles, chutneys etc. Also, by introducing this cheap
method of preservation of the fruits, the farmers will get an easy way for
disposal of the fruit commodity.
4.3 Harvesting, Handling and Post-harvest Treatment of Cut Flower
Cut flowers are highly perishable. Since flowers are valued for their beauty, it is important that they are
handled properly after harvest so that they remain fresh for the longest time possible. The following
technologies were demonstrated at the project site of Jhikoregachha, Jessore:
Harvesting and Handling
Harvesting was done by hand using a sharp knife for gladiolus, tuberose and rose providing slanting cut
at the field. Gerbera was harvested by hand plucking so that the stem root and the plants are not bruised.
All the cut flowers except gerbera were harvested at afternoon from 4.00 pm to sunset. The cut flowers
were kept in plastic bucket containing water at 3” depth. The commodities are carried to farmers’
premises keeping in the bucket by manual carrying or by rickshaw van. The flowers were sorted
according to the cultivar, stage of maturity, extent of damage due to pests and diseases, malformed floral
parts and color defects. The designation of grade standards for cut flowers is one of the most
controversial areas in their care and handling. Objective standards such as stem length, which is still the
major quality standard for many flowers, may bear little relationship to flower quality, vase life or
usefulness. Weight of the bunch for a given length is a method that has been shown to strongly reflect
flower quality. Straightness of stems, stem strength, flower size, vase life, freedom from defects, maturity,
uniformity, and foliage quality are among the factors which was used in cut flower grading.
Fig. 24. Steeping
preserved green fruit in
plastic drums

10. 10
Re-hydration
Wilted flowers were placed in water to restore turgidity. Usually, these should be rehydrated with de-
ionized water containing a germicide. The rehydration solution was prepared with 1% bleaching powder
(available at the local market) and 0.3% citric acid (so that pH
of the solution reaches near to 3.5). Four
litres of the solution was taken in plastic bucket of 30 liter capacity. The stem of the sorted and graded cut
flowers were placed in the solution of the buckets and kept up to 2-3 hours.
Pulsing
The term "pulsing" means placing flowers in a solution specially
formulated to extend their storage and vase life. Pulsing
solutions are specific to the individual crop. At the present time,
they are used to provide additional sugar (gladiolus, tuberose),
to extend the life of ethylene-sensitive flowers and to prevent
leaf yellowing. Sucrose is the main ingredient of pulsing
solutions providing additional sugar. The concentration of sugar
was used 3% in the cut flowers. The rehydration solution which
was used during rehydration process was collected in container
and sugar was mixed with the solution. The solution thus
prepared was used as pulsing solution in which the flowers were
kept for 10-12 hours (Fig. 25).
4.4 Packaging and Transportation of Cut Flower
Packaging with Bamboo Sleeper made Boxes
Bunching: The pulsing treated cut flowers were bunched according to
number, cost, susceptibility to injury, and display quality of individual
flower heads. Gladiolus, tuberose, rose and gerbera were bunched
with 25, 50, 100 and 25 numbers of sticks respectively. Bunches of
gladiolus, tuberose, rose and gerbera were held together by string
made with jute, paddy straw and elastic bands respectively.
Sleeving: The spikes of gladiolus and tuberose were sleeved with
white newsprint paper to prevent them from becoming entangled with
each other. The top of the
sleeve was remained open. The
spikes of rose and gerbera were
sleeved with thin CFB and white
paper respectively. Before
sleeving gerberas were put on
by triangular shaped gerbera
cap.
Stem-cut wrapping with wet cotton: The cut portions of the
stems of the bunched and sleeved flowers were wrapped with low-
cost cotton soaked with rehydration solution and surrounded by a
polythene pack so that the stem can absorb some water from the
solution during transportation and marketing at the whole sale market.
Packaging: After Stem-cut wrapping, the flowers were packed in bamboo sleeper made boxs (khacha).
The flowers were arranged in layers alternately. Alternate layers of flowers were remained the heads at
the same end. Newspapers were used as cushioning materials during packing to minimize mechanical
injury.
Fig 27: Rose being wrapped with thin CFB
Fig.25. Gladiolus being treated with pulsing
solution
Fig 26: Bamboo sleeper made boxes

11. 11
Packaging of Gladiolus and Tuberose: Gladiolus and tuberose after sleeving placed in the bamboo box
(Fig.26) and covered with a partition made with bamboo sleeper or in the iron crates. In case of the filled
in bamboo box, it is strengthened by tying with jute rope.
Packaging of Gerbera: Gerbera cup is worn with the gerbera flower and then a polythene sleeve is used
with 10 gebera stems. These flowers are packed in the bamboo made khachha
Packaging of Rose: After grading, the heads of the Roses are all positioned at the same height, tied and
wrapped with special corrugated carton (Fig.27). The object of the wrap is to prevent the tips of the
flowers from bumping up against the end of the box.
Ice Packaging Using Insulated Fiberboard Carton
Ice packaging using insulated fiberboard carton was demonstrated at the
project site of Jhikoregachha as in Fig. 28. The package is prepared with
double layer fibre board carton. A low cost blanket like mat is placed
between the two layers of fiberboard carton. Plastic bottles containing ice
is wrapped with newspaper followed by placed among the layers of
flower to be packed. The package finally tightened with plastic tape.
Preparation and Introduction of Gerbera Cup
Gerbera cup is the packaging solution to protect the gerbera flower
(Fig.29). Because each gerbera flower is individually protected with a
cup (small plastic sleeve), the gerbera flower is handled at the transport
period much better without damaging the flower. By using the gerbera
cups the gerbera flower will arrive at the florist or wholesaler in top
quality, which reduce the chance of claims.
Introduction of Rose Cap
Rose cap was introduced at the project site of
Jhikoregachha (Fig. 30). Al though this type of
nylon made or foam net made cap is not still
manufactured in the country, some caps were
collected from abroad and demonstrated at the
farmers’ level. A great impact was observed by using the rosecap. The farmers are getting about double
prices by using the cap, viz previously they sold rose at the rate of Tk. 7/- per flower, but after using the
rose cap (price of which is about Tk. 0. 40 per piece) they are getting Tk. 12/- to 14/- for a flower.
Fig 29: Gerbera wrapped with conical
(improved) gerbera cup
Fig 30: Using of rose cap at the farmers’ field of Jhikoregachha
Fig 28: Rose being packed in
insulated fiberboard carton
using ice bottle

12. 12
5. Government Policy
The Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has declared agriculture as a thrust sector in
recognition of its multi-faceted contribution to the national economy. The government has taken the
initiative to modernize the agricultural sector in light of WTO rules and SAPTA and other international
treaties. The main elements of National Agriculture Policy include developing profitable and sustainable
agricultural production systems, enhancing the purchasing power of farmers by increasing their real
income, increasing the production and supply of agricultural produce suitable for the agro-processing
sector, reducing imports of agricultural produce and products, increasing exports and facilitating the
development of agro-processing industries.
The government has accorded priority to the expansion of agri-business. Cash incentives are being
provided for the export of frozen foods, agro-based products, vegetables, fruits etc. in order to promote
export oriented agro-based industries. The Government has provided a tax rebate for agro-processing
industries, poultry farming, dairy, pisciculture, and horticulture in order to encourage investment in these
sectors. The government has also declared the agro-based industry, frozen meat industry, jute industry,
and the silk industries as thrust sectors and financial institutions have been instructed to reduce interest
rates and provide additional long-term loans to these sub-sectors. The Government is also ready and
eager to provide all necessary assistance to expedite development of the fruit and vegetable processing
sector.
6. Constraints in Introduction of Improved Technology on Packaging,
Transportation and Storage
 Inadequacy of extension activity of appropriate post-harvest technologies for fruits and
vegetables;
 Technical manpower, research and development activities are deficient and inadequate;
 Insufficiency of training and demonstration activities and centers for fostering entrepreneurship;
 Inadequacy of credit facilities at reasonable interest rates, for growers and traders;
 Inadequacy of transport facilities create serious bottlenecks in the marketing of fruits, vegetables
and cut flowers;
 t infrastructure coupled with lack of technical know-how also result
in high post-harvest losses;

and unsafe produce which is generally less costly;
 Little sharing of information among farmers, traders, processors, researchers and extensionists
on appropriate post-harvest technologies;
 Poor linkages between Chambers of Commerce, industries, research institutions and extension
agencies.
7. Recommendation
Recommendations for improving packaging, transportation and storage of fruits and vegetables are
as follows:
 A platform of networks should be created among growers, entrepreneurs, technology providers
and consumers in order to provide the impetus required for accelerated investment in the sector.
 Institute of Postharvest Technology must be established at the national level in order to generate
appropriate postharvest technologies, for pre-harvest treatment, harvesting at proper maturity
stages, postharvest handling of fresh produce, the application of postharvest treatments, cost
effective packaging, appropriate transportation, the production of value added products, and
product formulation, dehydration and processing to assure quality and food security.
 On-farm sorting, pre-cooling, packing and storage facilities for fruits and vegetables are
essentially required for distant/export marketing.

13. 13
 Financial and technical support for the development of packaging industries is required.
 Establishment of pack house facilities having basic requirements such as washing tanks, sorting
and grading devices and low cost Zero Energy Evaporative Cooler and CoolBot cold storage
facilities at the premises of the commodity collection centers in major fruit and vegetable
producing areas in the country, will overcome the problems of quality deterioration, contamination
of fresh produce with harmful bacteria and other extraneous matter and will improve the safety of
produce to a great extent.
 Inadequate and poor conditions of transport cause considerable damage to horticultural produce.
The Government should, therefore, consider allowing the tax free importation of trucks specially
designed for the transportation of fruits and vegetables, and other sorting/grading equipment and
packaging materials for the fruit and vegetable sector.
 Creation of efficient marketing channels which link producers, urban supermarket chains and
exporters thereby allowing them to sell their value added produce at attractive prices.
 Initiate and coordinate awareness programs for producers, dealers and transporters on
postharvest handling and on reducing losses;
 Support training farmers in selecting the correct inputs and in postharvest handling, including
cleaning, drying, sorting, and packaging at the farm gate;
 Establish primary wholesale market yards for a group of villages or in towns with all facilities
including grading and quality testing laboratories, storage facilities, cold stores, processing units,
packaging plants, and garbage disposal systems;
 The low-cost modified atmosphere storage system using sealed polyethylene bags should be
standardized for the specific fruit and vegetables commodities to extend their storage life.
 Promote ice packaging technique for horticultural produces and necessary structural facilities in
the truck for holding the ice packages.
8. Conclusion
Currently, the main aim of the farmer is to increase the production of fruits and vegetables and to ensure
the sale of these items. Relatively little consideration is given to the post-harvest quality of these fresh
produce items. A change in farmer attitude is important if produce quality is to be improved and losses
minimized. Lack of knowledge and poor practices are major contributors to post-harvest losses in the
marketing chain of vegetables. Appropriate national policies designed to address these issues are
required if post-harvest losses are to be reduced.
It is not possible to survive in this era of globalization by employing traditional farming techniques only.
Geographically, Bangladesh is a small country with limited land resources. The availability of cultivable
land is decreasing proportionately with increasing population. The country must therefore increase its
productivity, diversify its agricultural production base and increase value addition through the processing
of farm products. Efforts must be made to strengthen the post-harvest sector through intensive
investment in research and development.
Since the high losses are due to the inadequate packaging, reusable and durable nesting type plastic
crates have been introduced at the developing countries as a cost effective good quality transport
package. Research in many developing countries has indicated that these plastic crates can significantly
reduce post-harvest losses. Therefore this technology is readily adaptable in all types of marketing
channels of fruits and vegetables. To introduce the crates all over the country subsidy should be provided
to the manufacturer and the users. In this issue, policy reform is required.
Every step of the food chain should be controlled in order to assure quality and to reduce post-harvest
losses. Cooperation among producers, collectors, traders, transporters, retailers and government are the
key to achieving good management in post-harvest loss reduction a well as quality retention for the
horticultural produces.

14. 14
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