Tomato Value Chain Research Articles

Tomato value chain analysis in Seka Chekorsa District, Jimma Zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia

Tomato value chain analysis in Seka Chekorsa District, Jimma Zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia

Analysis of perceived competitive forces influencing tree tomato value chains in Rwanda

The globalization of economies has added many new challenges to global agriculture. Agriculture not only needs to compete in foreign markets but also in domestic markets. The production and export of tree tomatoes remain extremely weak in Rwanda despite horticulture sector-specific economic policies in favour of the production and export of horticultural crops by the government of Rwanda. The goal of this study was to analyse the competitive performance of Rwanda's tree tomato value chain to shape the tree tomato industry in Rwanda for the benefit of smallholder farmers and the Rwandan Economy. One hundred twenty (120) respondents were surveyed for this study using a semi-structured questionnaire and focus group discussions. Participants were stratified into groups as traders (80), institutional consumers (12), and household consumers (28) all from Bugesera, Nyabihu, Rubavu districts and Kigali markets (Nyabugogo, Nyarugenge and Kimironko). Key enablers (International Centre for Research in Agroforestry, Rwanda Agricultural Board, National Agricultural Export Board, and Ministry of Commerce and Financial institutions) provided useful information related to the tree tomato value chain in Rwanda. The findings of this study show that factors that hamper the tree tomato value chain competitiveness in Rwanda are related to bargaining power. Overall 63% of respondents who were tree tomato suppliers and 58.43% of respondents who were tree tomato buyers agreed that the bargaining power of suppliers and buyers hamper the competitiveness of the value chain. The study found that 70% of traders and 57% of consumers and institutional consumers preferred the tree tomato. Therefore, tree tomato is highly linked to consumers, traders, and institutions than banana which is the 38th fruit highly scored. The severity of the threat to the tree tomato industry is new entrants into the tree tomato industry, the intensity of rivalry in existing key competitors, and the severity of the threat of substitutes. The strategies proposed to improve on the competitiveness of the tree tomato industry comprise of improving collaboration of tree tomato chain actors. This study found that 75.69% of the sampled key actors agree that the highest criteria to be considered are the product quality, and 64.74% of the sampled key actors settled on product quality as the least criteria. Key words: tree tomato, smallholder farmers, consumers, traders, competitiveness, value chain, Rwanda

Identifying, Mapping, and Analyzing Stakeholders of Tomato Value Chain

The research aims to optimize the efficiency of tomato value chain by mapping and analyzing various stakeholders. The study was taken as a part of the Research work of MBA (Agribusiness) carried out at Madanapalli taluka of Chittoor district in Andhra Pradesh. The complete research design work is based on primary and secondary data collected through a structured questionnaire and from the Madanapalli Agriculture Produce Marketing Committee, annual reports of the National Horticultural Board, and articles from the World Processing Tomato Council. A multistage sampling technique was used for selection and Descriptive statistics, value chain analysis was carried out to identify the key activities within the industry. A value chain map illustrates the journey of tomatoes from production to the consumer, highlighting the various stages and processors involved along the way. The connections are displayed in a vertical manner from the left to the right side. At the top, the main functions of the chain are listed. These functions encompass input supply, production, trading, marketing/processing, and consumption. The vertical progression from the left to the right side illustrates the individuals engaged in performing the various functions. Displayed on the left side, the enablers help and support the actors in performing their roles. These enablers primarily include formal and informal institutions, as well as private organizations. The study concludes that lack of access to credit, Huge loss of raw produce in a glut situation, Inadequate infrastructure, seasonal fluctuations in business, and intense competition within a limited timeframe pose significant challenges in the tomato value chain. The lack of incentives for quality differentiation further exacerbates these issues. The chain's lack of transparency allows middlemen to wield control, leaving farmers with little ability to market their produce effectively.

Assessing the Downstream and Upstream Preferences of Stakeholders for Sustainability Attributes in the Tomato Value Chain

Effectively implementing innovations in agri-food supply chains (AFSCs) is contingent upon stakeholders’ preferences. Using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), the objective of this research was to ascertain the degree of willingness among farmers, consumers, and various stakeholders (including processing companies, restaurants, and retailers) in the tomato supply chain of Catalonia (Spain) to shorten the chain and promote local procurement. Based on a set of social, economic, and environmental criteria encompassing sustainability in AFSCs, the results showed that economic factors, particularly profitability and affordability, were the key driving factors in the decisions of stakeholders. However, the considerable importance placed on strategic attributes, including local production, environmental sustainability, and product quality, particularly among consumers, seemed to present a chance to advocate for sustainable alternatives, such as short food supply chains (SFSCs). The AHP methodology facilitates differentiation with respect to the criteria of the decision-making process and serves as a valuable instrument for evaluating the reception of innovations within the AFSC and categorizing the stakeholders who exhibit the greatest interest in them. In order to improve the sustainability of agri-food systems, our findings may be incorporated into strategic plans developed by policymakers.

Exploring the Current Challenges of Cold Chain Logistics Stakeholders in the Tomatoes Value Chain in Nigeria

The global substantial losses of fresh tomato products, especially in Nigeria with a reported 50% annual loss, necessitates the need for effective cold chain logistics operations. This is crucial for the safe storage and transportation of perishable fresh tomatoes. However, in Nigeria, cold chain logistics operations encounter challenges impeding their efficiency, reliability, and market growth. This exploratory study aligns with sustainable development goals narrowing on the following objectives: to identify the current operations of Nigerian tomato value chains and secondly, to explore the current challenges faced by cold chain logistics stakeholders in the tomato value chain in Nigeria. Through purposive sampling, focus group discussions, semi-structured interviews, and reflexive thematic analysis, the study reveals themes that reflect the current challenges in the tomato value chain as thus; theme 1; supply chain risk, theme 2; production and farming challenges, theme 3; stakeholder’s poor collaborations and visibility challenge, theme 4; government and policy challenges, theme 5; financial challenge and theme 6; socio-cultural challenges. These findings will guide policymakers and stakeholders in making decisions toward improving the performance and sustainability of the tomato value chain. Future research could focus on addressing challenges stakeholders in other fruit and vegetable value chains.

Identifying Critical Drivers of Mango, Tomato, and Maize Postharvest Losses (PHL) in Low-Income Countries and Predicting Their Impact

Several studies have identified a host of factors to be considered when attempting to reduce food postharvest loss (PHL). However, very few studies have ranked those factors by their importance in driving PHL. This study used the Random Forest model to rank the critical drivers of PHL in maize, mango, and tomato, cultivated in Tanzania, Kenya, and Nigeria, respectively. The study then predicted the maize, mango, and tomato PHLs by changing the levels of the most critical drivers of PHL and the number of farmers at each level. The results indicate that the most critical drivers of PHL consist of pre-harvest and harvest variables in the field, such as the quantity of maize harvested in the maize value chain, the method used to know when to begin mango harvest, and the type of pest that attacks plants in the tomato value chain. Furthermore, changes in the levels of a critical driver and changes in the number of smallholder farmers at a given level both have an impact on PHL, although the impact of the former is much higher than the latter. This study also revealed that the critical drivers of PHL can be categorized as either passive and difficult to manipulate, such as the geographic area within which a smallholder farmer lives, or active and easier to control, such as services provided by the Rockefeller Foundation YieldWise Initiative. Moreover, the affiliation of smallholder farmers to the YieldWise Initiative and a smallholder farmer’s geographic location are ubiquitous critical drivers across all three value chains. Finally, an online dashboard was created to allow users to explore further the relationship between several critical drivers, the PHL of each crop, and a desired number of smallholder farmers.

The Competitiveness of Tomato Value Chain, Kenya

The Competitiveness of Tomato Value Chain, Kenya

Impact of PYXERA Global Yieldwise Project on Improved Tomato PostHarvest Loss Management Practices of Farmers’ Output, Income and Poverty Status in North-West Zone, Nigeria

The study was conducted to determine the impact of PYXERA Global Yieldwise project improved tomato postharvest loss management practices on farmers output, income and poverty status in North-West Zone, Nigeria. A multi-stage random selection method was used to choose the study locations, and 540 farmers were administered with structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the descriptive, double difference estimates and FGT poverty index. The results showed that the difference in value between the two output differences [?211,255.8 – ?128,366.86] was N82, 888,94. The poverty incidence of poor farm households in the study area was 95% for the non-adopters, and 61% for the adopters. In addition, the poverty depth among the farm households in the study area was 85% for non–adopters and 36% for adopters. The severity of the poverty index was 79% for non–adopters and 26% for adopters of improved tomato post-harvest loss reduction management practices. This implies that poverty incidence is higher among non-adopting poor than their adopting poor households. The study concluded that the adoption of the improved tomato post-harvest management practices had a positive impact on tomato postharvest loss reduction, income, and poverty status as revealed in the results of this study, although the extent of tomato post-harvest loss was still high. It was therefore recommended that the tomato post-harvest loss reduction campaign should be sustained to further decrease the losses suffered by tomato farmers especially as the end line for achieving the SDG on food loss and food waste draws closer. All stakeholders in the tomato value chain should address other challenges limiting the adoption of improved tomato production and post-harvest loss reduction such as low extension visits, poor market linkages, and distance to market.

Value Chain Analysis of Tomato: A Case Study in Anis District - Dhamar Governorate, Yemen

This study considered an analysis of the value chain of tomato production and its related activities, conducted in Anis district - Dhamar governorate, to carry out a financial analysis of the whole chain in order to assess the added value and the distribution of profit margins between the different actors. This article maps and analyzes the tomato value chain in Anis District . Primary data was collected through a survey method adopting a multistage random sampling technique. The value chain highlighted the involvement of various actors, who directly or indirectly participated in the value chain. The different actors identified in the study area were input suppliers, farmers, traders, wholesalers, retailers and finally consumersThe result revealed that the main actors in the value chain are input suppliers, tomato producers, tomato pickers, small and large traders, processors and consumers. The market share of the producers shows that the producers get the largest share, which is 1350 YER. The main problems facing the tomato value chain are found to be low prices, high perishable nature, lack of access to credit, inadequate storage and processing facilities, lack of market information, and lack of financing for cultivation. While farmers rated low price as the most worrisome constraint, poor transportation facilities for the region producing tomatoes were rated as the most pressing constraint for value chain players.

Factors affecting the choice of governance structure along the vegetable value chain in Bangladesh

Analyzing governance structure is considered important when designing development interventions in the value chain. The objective of this paper was to explore the governance structure (GS) in cauliflower and tomato value chain, specifically the types of GS followed by the farmers and factors behind these choices. The two-stage random sampling procedure was used to collect data from 100 farmers whereas 60 traders were surveyed purposively for this study. Multinomial logit model was used to analyze the factors affecting farmer’s choice of GS. Trader’s perceptions regarding internal and external governance as well as good governance indicators were assessed by utilizing non-parametric test. Cauliflower and tomato farmers were involved in practicing spot market, relational, farmer’s association and outgrowing scheme-based GS. The results showed that the probability to choose relational, outgrowing scheme and farmer’s association-based GS were significantly affected by education of farmers, distance to the nearest market, access to extension services, access to price information, trust commitment, transaction specific investment, preferences of diversification, farm size, transactional uncertainty, and access to producer’s cooperative. Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney-U test established trader’s dissimilation towards governance indicators. The study suggests that smallholder farmers need to be well organized and coordination mechanisms among all stakeholders should be increased.

Genotypic Differences Affecting Biometric, Processing and Functional Quality Attributes in Tomato Fruits

Processing tomato is an important agricultural crop worldwide suffering from genetic erosion due to a severe genetic diversity reduction and domestication hindrance. In Tunisia, some old underutilized tomato cultivars are increasingly being considered as genetic resources and are marginally used by small farmers constituting a real safety valve for the sustainability of the processing tomato value chain. Those tomato cultivars differ in their biometric, processing and functional quality attributes. Therefore, there is an increasing interest to examine their performances for processing and fresh market quality improvement. Recently, there was also a particular focus on improving the quality of fresh fruit via the introgression of high-pigment genes in processing tomato in order to obtain a high quality processed products. The results are important as large differences are highlighted and the main traits affecting tomato quality are also reported and clearly discussed. This suggest that maintaining of the existing genetic pools among cultivated tomato is as important as creating novel hybrids.

Identification, Microhabitat, and Ecological Niche Prediction of Two Promising Native Parasitoids of Tuta absoluta in Kenya.

Simple SummarySince the arrival of Tuta absoluta, a multivoltine insect species whose larvae develop in leaves, fruits, flowers, buds, and stems of tomatoes, producers are facing one of its biggest production challenges. The pest continues to invade new areas, causing heavy losses in the tomato value chain. Sprays of synthetic insecticides have shown very low efficacy on this pest because of its inclination to develop resistance to various insecticide-active ingredients. Biological control is one of the most promising solutions for the management of this pest. In this work, we investigated the most efficient indigenous parasitoids associated with T. absoluta in Kenya and their preferable habitat and ecological niche suitability. We identified two species, Stenomesius sp. near japonicus and Bracon nigricans, with up to 17% and 21% parasitism respectively. Stenomesius sp. near japonicus was more abundant in greenhouses and non-insecticide-treated tomatoes while B. nigricans was more abundant in the field tomatoes with a low abundance of Nesidiocoris tenuis. The ecological niche of these two species showed that B. nigricans was suitable for establishment in sub-Saharan Africa, a big part of South America, and Australia in both current and future scenarios.Associations between the South American tomato pinworm, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), and its native parasitoids need to be updated to increase the implementation of pest control strategies. In this study, T. absoluta-infested tomato plants were collected from three regions in Kenya. The emerged parasitoids were identified, and their abundance was correlated with agroecological parameters, viz. cropping systems, and the abundance of the predator Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter (Hemiptera: Miridae). The study further conducted a habitat suitability prediction for the identified parasitoids. Two parasitoid species, Bracon nigricans (Szépligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Stenomesius sp. near japonicus (Ashmead) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) emerged from T. absoluta immature stages, with parasitism rates ranging from 0 to 21% and 0 to 17% respectively. Insecticide application and open field cropping negatively influenced the parasitism by S. sp. nr japonicus. Low occurrence of N. tenuis positively affected B. nigricans parasitism. The predicted occurrence of parasitoid species indicated vast suitable areas for B. nigricans in sub-Saharan Africa, Australia, and South America. Low suitability was observed for S. sp. nr japonicus in Africa. Therefore, native parasitoids, especially B. nigricans could be considered for implementation as a biocontrol agent in the Integrated Pest Management program of T. absoluta.

Value chain analysis of tomato: The case of Bure, Jabitehinan and North Mecha districts of Amhara regional state, Ethiopia

Ethiopia is still in the early stages of implementing agricultural value chains in general, and the tomato value chain in particular. Tomato production in Bure, Jabitehinan, and North Mecha Districts has played a critical role in generating income and creating jobs for many smallholder farmers, resulting in poverty reduction. Tomato growers, on the other hand, faced numerous challenges, including lack of clear tomato value chain depiction, poor product value addition, frail value chain linkage, and the perishable nature of the crop itself. As a result of these issues, tomato growers experienced low product prices, a lack of market information, and market inefficiencies, all of which limited the potential benefit of tomato value chain actors. Therefore, this study was aimed to mapping tomato value chain actors, their roles and linkages; to identify the major tomato market channels, and analyzing the structure, conduct and performance (S-C-P) of tomato value chain in the selected districts. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. Primary data were collected from randomly selected 280 tomato producers and 60 traders. To improve the validity of the data, the researchers were used focus group discussion and key informant interview in two rounds with a total size of 10 participants per discussion and secondary data were included from published articles and unpublished district reports. A multi-stage random sampling procedure was applied to select tomato producers and random sampling for traders. Descriptive statistics was applied to analyze data and generate valuable information on market structure, conduct and performance of tomato value chain. The survey result shows that input suppliers, producers, rural collectors, retailers, wholesaler, processors and consumers were identified as core tomato value chain actors. From the survey result, only 40.7% of the total respondents stated that tomato value addition was implemented and practiced. The perishability nature of the product and the low value addition practice of producers were led to less beneficiary in the tomato value chain. Processors obtained 44.82% of the profit share, which is the highest amount of profit share among other tomato value chain actors. Result from analysis of market concentration indicated that tomato market characterized by oligopolistic market structure with the buyers’ concentration ratio of 45.53%. Market conduct shows that 73.21% of the price of tomato was set by traders while producers were price taker. Regarding to the market performance analysis, the highest TGMM was registered in channel X which accounts the estimated percentage share of 75% of consumer price. This study recommended that the decision maker should take-up initiative for strengthening of tomato value chain performance by capacitating farmer association to increase their bargaining power and supporting actors involved in local tomato markets. In addition, it is recommended that the government of the region should developed a policy that reduce oligopolistic tendency of market structure so as to create competitive tomato market environment for all actor in the market. • Ethiopia is still an infant stage of implementing agricultural value chains particularly tomato value chain • Tomato growers, faced problems i.e., poor value addition, frail value chain linkage, & perishable nature of the crop itself deviates the potential benefit of tomato value chain actors. • 40.7% of the total respondents stated that tomato value addition was implemented and practiced. • Tomato market characterized by oligopolistic market structure of 45.53%. • Promoting value addition activities and reducing oligopolistic market structure leads to create competitive tomato market environment for all actors

Governance in the Italian Processed Tomato Value Chain: The Case for an Interbranch Organisation

Collective action among producers is a corrective measure for power imbalance, which affects primary producers in agro-food supply chains. As associations of producers and processors, Interbranch Organisations (IBOs) promote dialogue, best practice, and market transparency. However, interbranch cooperation is still a less explored subject in agro-food governance studies. Therefore, the present paper aims to analyse the role of IBO North Italy for Processing Tomato (IBO NIPT) in the governance of the processed tomato value chain. The IBO for Processing Tomatoes of Northern Italy was chosen as a case study as it is one of the eight recognized IBOs in the country and Italy is the third biggest producer of tomatoes for processing worldwide. Semi-structured interviews with stakeholders involved in the processed tomato value chain were carried out to reach this aim. Abridged transcripts were analysed through thematic analysis by two or three researchers. The present study has three research steps: first, to explore the history of the IBO NIPT; second, to explore its current role as collective institution acting towards power imbalances; third, the IBO’s role in reference price streamlining. A multi-theoretical approach based on the following three theoretical frameworks was used to analyse the interviews: New Institutional Economics (NIE); Devaux’s framework for collective action; and Transaction Cost Economics. The paper highlights the role of local institutions in bringing innovations in the food supply chain and suggests that the future of IBOs in Italy has to be expanded beyond reference price streamlining and could benefit from the cooperation of retailers.

Assessing Tomato Marketing Efficiency in Selected Agro-Ecological Zones of Ghana

Tomatoes are a crucial component in the diets of Ghanaian households and contribute significantly to the nutritional needs of most rural and peri-urban farmers. However, tomato marketing and its related activities in Ghana are low compared to its production. Against this backdrop, this study examines the marketing efficiency of tomatoes in selected agro-ecological zones of Ghana. A snowball technique was used to determine 65 market players from four (4) major markets of the three agro-ecological sectors. Using marketing margins and the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, we analyze the marketing efficiency of actors in the tomato value chain and the determinants of farmer's marketing efficiency. The results revealed that farmers' marketing efficiency (ME) was higher than ME of wholesalers but not as high as those attained by retailers; however, farmers had the least market power. The results further revealed that variables such as education, experience in tomato farming, membership in FBO, GSZ location, price of tomato, cost of storage and post-harvest losses significantly affect ME of farmers. The study recommends that the government invest in efficient transportation and storage infrastructure to reduce transportation and storage costs in the tomato value chain. Government should also strengthen the buffer stock program to buy farm produce and stabilize prices to minimize exploitative power of market queens and retailers in the tomato value chain.

Performance of organic farming in developing countries: a case of organic tomato value chain in Lebanon

The future of food value chains has increasingly been reliant on the wider adoption of sustainable farming practices that include organic agriculture. Organic farming in developed countries is standardized and occupies a niche in agro-food systems. However, such a standard model, when transferred to developing countries, faces difficulty in implementation. This study aims to investigate the factors affecting the expansion of organic agriculture in Lebanon, a Middle Eastern context, and analyzes the economic performance of organic tomato among smallholder farmers. Accordingly, the study was able to determine the production costs, map the organic value chain and assess the profitability of organic tomato by comparing it with the conventional tomato in the same value chain. The study finds organic farming being increasingly expensive primarily due to the inherently high cost of production in Lebanon and the inefficient organization of the organic value chain. As a result, we suggest a blended approach of organic farming with other models, in particular agro-tourism, as a local solution to the sustainability of organic farming in developing countries with limited resources (land and labor) and characterized by long marketing channels. In countries such as Lebanon, a country endowed with rich cultural heritage and natural and beautiful landscapes, the agro-tourism model can harness organic farming and tourism activities. We also propose the adoption of local collective guarantee systems for organic production as a way to alleviate the costs of third-party auditing in Lebanon.

Determinants of utilisation of tomato value addition technology among beneficiaries in Oyo State, Nigeria

Abstract Value addition is essential in the tomato value chain, especially in the wake of an increasing rate of tomato postharvest loss. Both governmental and non-governmental organisations have trained small-scale entrepreneurs on Tomato Value Addition Technology (TVAT). A dearth of information on the utilisation of TVAT necessitated this study. A two-stage sampling procedure was used to select 142 respondents. Data were elicited from respondents with the aid of a questionnaire and analysed using frequency counts, percentages, multiple linear regression, and multivariate probit model at α 0.05. The results revealed that most (54.9 %) of the respondents had a high level of knowledge on TVAT and a favourable attitude (60.6 %) towards TVAT. However, the level of utilisation of TVAT was low (69.7 %). Lack of funds (68.3 %), NAFDAC registration requirements (66.9 %), and high cost of processing equipment (57.0 %) were prominent constraints militating against utilisation of TVAT. Constraints to the utilisation of TVAT (β = −0.395), age (β = −0.022), and income (β = 0.095) determined the utilisation of TVAT. Membership in a cooperative society (β = 0.221), income (β = 0.375) and constraints (β = −0.213) predicted the utilisation of tomato paste. Educational qualification (β = 0.132), cooperative society (β = 0.059), income (β = 0.336), and knowledge of TVAT (β = 0.229) predicted the utilisation of ketchup. Age (β = −0.112), income (β = 0.026), years of experience (β = 0.031), knowledge of TVAT (β = 0.311), and constraints (β = −0.093) predicted the utilisation of puree, whereas factors associated with the utilisation of dry slice tomato technology, were age (β = 0.107), marital status (β = 0.050), household size (β = 0.042) and years of experience (β = 0.219). Adequate funding is a sine qua non to the sustainability of agricultural technologies. The study recommended the need for more training on the utilisation of the technology, encouragement to form cooperative groups to facilitate easy access to funds, and establishment of cottage industry among stakeholders.

Customer Disconfirmation and Produce Wastage on Tomato Value Chain in Nigeria

The study investigates customer disconfirmation on product wastage in the line of tomato value chain. the management of harvested produce which is vital to the growth of a sustainable tomato value chain in Nigeria. Value Chain management is a tool that drives industrial development and enhances national food security. It is the focal point of this work to assess the effective management of tomato produce waste in Nigeria. This research is designed to investigate whether provision of efficient transportation facilities, good storage facilities and promulgation of enabling legislation and policies that will impact positively on the value chain in Nigeria. Disconfirmation theory was adopted in evaluating the gap between customer perception and expectation within the framework of tomato value chain. The study was conducted using primary data and the use of questionnaire in gathering information. Data was analyzed and the outcome of the regression analysis and ANNOVA showed the calculated p value of 0.000 is lower than the 0.05 alpha levels of importance. The study reveals that there is a relationship between efficient management of produce and the derivable benefits of tomato produce. Sequel to the results obtained, the recommendations as well as conclusion derived from the discovery of the study hold implication for industry operators on key areas of sustainable value chain management styles.

Effect of Vegetable Commercialization on Food Safety

The commercialization of fresh vegetables is crucial in enhancing revenues from commercial vegetable farming and ensuring reliable supply of high-quality produce for consumers. However, this is only guaranteed under ethical application of agrochemicals beyond which can lead in a more pronounced public health as well as environmental hazards. The present paper sought to examine the influence of commercialization on food safety. Vegetable samples weighing between 1 to 2 kg were purchased from randomly selected producers in two major producing counties (Kiambu and Kirinyaga) in Kenya. All samples were freeze-dried and stored in an ice chess box, to minimize contamination. Then the samples were labeled, and transported to the laboratory for processing and testing. All approved samples were subjected to the QuEChERS preparation method for pesticides and quantified using gas chromatography equipped with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Lab results tested positive for 13 problematic pesticides including known carcinogens and highly hazardous agrochemicals such as Malathion, chlorothalonil and chlorpyrifos. The most common agrochemical was carbofuran (67%) in terms of insecticide. For the case of fungicides, the most common was mancozeb (60%) and metalaxyl (58%). Food safety issues are caused mainly by not observing preharvest intervals, excessive application of chemicals and use of illegal agrochemicals. Chemical residues in food mainly results in carcinogenic diseases (43 to 49%), stomach related problems (15 to 19%), eye related problems (10 to 15%), and skin related problems (11 to 14%) and breathing difficulties (10 to 12%). This study demonstrates that there is a problem of agrochemical use and food safety concerns and kale and tomato value chain.

VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS OF TOMATO IN PALPA DISTRICT OF NEPAL

The study was conducted from January to June 2020. This study aims at carrying out the value chain analysis of tomato subsector in Palpa district. The specific objectives of the study were identifying the actors involved in value chain of tomato, finding out benefit cost ratio, marketing margin, producer share and value share of value chain actors, preparing value chain map of tomatoes and identifying the key strength, weakness, opportunities, and threats at different nodes of tomato value chain. Data were collected from primary and secondary sources. Primary data was collected by household interview, KII and secondary data was collected through published journals, research articles, reports of PMAMP, AKC and other government organizations. Data analysis was done using SPSS, Ms-Excel, and Stata statistical software. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, benefit cost ratio, Cobb-Douglas production function, correlation analysis and value chain mapping. The opportunities and challenges in tomato value chain was achieved using strength, weakness, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis. From the study it was found that economically active population was 60.9% and majority of tomato growers (69.2%) has agriculture as their primary occupation. The average farm size was 0.7 ha and average area for tomato farming was 0.1 ha. The average productivity of tomato of sampled household was 29Mt/ha under open field condition. The average cost of tomato production was NRs. 18.2/kg. The gross margin and net margin per ha were NRs. 394474.4 and NRs. 362014.2 respectively. Benefit cost ratio was 1.67. Market margin was NRs. 25/kg with producer’s share 54.55% in the mostly used value chain. Similarly, market margin of local value chain was NRs. 15/kg with producer’s share 70% in the local value chain. The result identified that the major actors involved in the value chain were input suppliers, collector/cooperatives, wholesalers, retailers and consumers. The disease/insect infestation was major problem in production while low farm-gate price was major problem in marketing in the study area. The research showed that tomato farming is an important agribusiness in the research area.