An analysis of various factors influencing postharvest losses of the fruit and vegetable supply chain

Abstract

This research aims to analyse the factors that contribute to postharvest losses of the fruit and vegetable supply chain, especially in an Indian context. The work can be broadly classified into two phases. The first phase involves the development of an ISM model with the help of literature and field experts from an agricultural university. Ten factors that influence postharvest losses were identified and their relationships with other factors were defined. The second phase involves a survey conducted among the stakeholders to determine the various losses that are incurred in the postharvest stage of agriculture. The study is highly relevant to the tropical fruits and vegetables. The results of the survey were tested for reliability and were validated using exploratory factor analysis. Further, hypotheses were proposed to study the relationships between the factors. Also, the ISM model was compared to the model proposed based on the loading patterns of responses. The results of hypotheses testing revealed that out of ten developed hypotheses, nine were significant. Both models were found to be similar, except the four factors that grouped together in pairs in the proposed model. Recommendations on how to improve the real-time tracking to make timely interventions have been provided.