The Export Development Board (EDB) of Sri Lanka has identified poor packaging as a primary factor contributing to the post-harvest losses in the country's fresh produce sector. It is reported that 20-30% of vegetables and 15-20% of fruits undergo losses after harvest due to substandard packaging, which compromises the integrity of the produce during storage and transportation.
In response, the EDB's National Packaging Center, in collaboration with the National Plant Quarantine Service and industry experts, organized an awareness session for 70 exporters at its Colombo offices. The session aimed to mitigate post-harvest losses in fruits and vegetables by introducing innovative packaging solutions and thereby increasing the value of export products. "One of the objectives for conducting this awareness session is to reduce the post-harvest losses of fruits and vegetables through innovative packaging solutions and enhance the value of export products. In Sri Lanka, post-harvest losses are significant, and inadequate packaging has been identified as a major cause of these losses." the EDB stated.
The event emphasized the adoption of modern packaging methods, incorporating new concepts and technology, such as graphical designs suitable for fruits and vegetables. Additionally, it covered the process of acquiring plant quarantine certificates and the selection of appropriate materials to prevent product degradation.
Annually, Sri Lanka produces about 540,000 metric tons of fruits and 710,000 metric tons of vegetables, which are exported to various destinations including the Middle East, Maldives, Europe, Canada, India, and Pakistan. In October 2024, the country's fresh produce sector generated an export income of US$ 6.37 million, with US$ 2.8 million from vegetables and US$ 3.9 million from fruits.
Source: Daily Mirror