Assessment of postharvest loss and constraints in the supply chain of mango

This study was conducted to assess postharvest quantitative losses including constrains in the supply chain of mango. The survey was conducted using structured and pre-tested interview schedules at four levels of mango supply chain including growers, ‘Bepari’, wholesalers, and retailers. For growers’ interview, four Upazillas of Chapai Nowabgonj (Chapai Nawabganj Sadar, Shibganj, Bholahat, and Gomostapur) and two upazillas of Rajshahi (Charghat and Bagha) were selected. For ‘Bepari’, wholesalers, and retailers survey was carried out in local assemble markets of Chapai Nawabganj and Rajshahi; wholesale and retail markets of Mymensingh and Dhaka. Nature of damage of mango was mainly bruises, cuts, sap burn, and vibration damage. The total postharvest loss of mango starting from harvest at growers’ level to different steps of postharvest supply chain was 30.65%. The individual losses at growers’, ‘Bepari’, wholesalers, and retailers’ levels were estimated to be 4.4%, 8.43%, 9.21%, and 8.61%, respectively. These losses occurred due mainly to the sub-standard handling practices, lack of proper transport and storage facilities, and ignorance of the stakeholders. To the growers, the major problems were related to fertilizer (adulteration and availability), and insect and disease attacks. To the intermediaries (‘Bepari’, wholesalers, and retailers) the major problems were concerned with transportation and storage facility.