Postharvest losses of fruits and vegetables in different microregions of Maranhão, Brazil

Abstract

The fruits and vegetables sector is one of the most relevant activities in the Brazilian economy, but it is frequently affected by barriers, such as the expressive rates of postharvest losses. In Maranhão, studies about these indicators are scarce, although they could assist in the identification of risk factors, food distribution, and improvement in socioeconomic and environmentals aspects. This study aimed to carry out a socioeconomic survey of the marketing and post-harvest losses of fruit and vegetables in the main retail markets of seven cities in Maranhão. For six months, direct interviews in 107 commercial establishments, were performed. The results indicated that more than 96% of fruits and vegetables come from Piauí, Bahia, and Ceará, transported in open trucks, without refrigeration, and on paved roads. Among fruits, papaya (17.90%), avocado (16.55%), and guava (13.82%) stand out as those which commonly present a higher loss rate, while for vegetables were eggplant (24.70%), potatoes (15.98%), and cucumber (15.69%). Furthermore, Physiological disorders and mechanical damage were considered as the major causes leading to the losses. Comparing among the cities, Santa Quitéria and São Bernardo are the ones that showed elevated losses rates. Therefore, it is necessary to stimulate the production of fruits and vegetables in Maranhão, as well as to provide better training in commercial management and good postharvest practices to increase the profitability of this activity and reduce environmental impacts.