Author(s): Ram Chandra

Abstract: Horticultural produce is critical for food security, nutrition, rural livelihoods, and export earnings, yet post-harvest losses in fruits, vegetables, and flowers remain alarmingly high, ranging from 20-40%. Conventional practices—plastic packaging, chemical preservatives, and energy-intensive storage—exacerbate environmental concerns while failing to address systemic inefficiencies. This review synthesizes global and Indian evidence on sustainable post-harvest practices, focusing on biodegradable packaging, renewable-energy-based storage, efficient logistics, value addition, and waste utilization. Results highlight significant reductions in post-harvest losses (50-67%), improved shelf life, enhanced market value, and reduced ecological footprints. Eco-friendly packaging (PLA films, edible coatings, banana fiber crates), solar-powered cold rooms, and evaporative cooling chambers demonstrate economic feasibility and environmental sustainability. Value addition of surplus and waste further contributes to circular economy models, while consumer demand for sustainably packaged produce drives market adoption. Despite high potential, challenges such as cost barriers, infrastructure gaps, and limited farmer awareness hinder widespread implementation. The study emphasizes the need for integrated policy support, public-private partnerships, and capacity-building to scale sustainable technologies and strengthen horticulture’s role in achieving food and nutritional security, farmer resilience, and environmental sustainability.

Pages: 60-64 | Views: 709 | Downloads: 531

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