Combating post-harvest waste with a supply chain approach

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Post-harvest agricultural waste has been a major issue for Jamaica over the years. The issue of food wastage is not specific to Jamaica, but across the globe. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, it is estimated that 40-50 per cent of root crops, fruits and vegetables are wasted, and about 14 per cent of that number which does not get consumed is lost between harvest and the food reaching the retail market. The issue of post-harvest loss and waste is a significant contributor to food scarcity and insecurity in Jamaica as it impacts the nutritional availability of food and will cause a strain on the agricultural sector’s ability to adequately supply food for the nation. Supply chain strategies such as the development and operations of warehouse storage facilities (dry and cold) and implementing streamlined collaboration with agricultural stakeholders, are two avenues that can be explored to combat post-harvest waste in Jamaica.

Warehouses are a fundamental pillar in a logistics and supply chain configuration, serving as links, or nodes, within a supply chain system. This vitality can also be outlined in agriculture as a guarantee that agricultural commodities and products are available for marketing and distribution all year round; hence, warehouses play a crucial role in post-harvest management. By strategically positioning warehouse facilities in central areas, closer to the production space and the market, farmers, retailers, wholesalers and other stakeholders will have greater accessibility and reduced transportation cost. Warehouses are especially important for some seasonal crops, which are required for consumption all year round.

Warehouses help in price stabilisation of agricultural commodities by checking the tendency to make post-harvest sales among the farmers.

Cold storage is a critical component of post-harvest management, particularly for perishable agricultural products such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and seafood. The supply chain approach in this context would be for efficient and streamlined operations, where, by extending the storage life of agricultural produce, cold storage enables farmers and suppliers to better time their market entry, avoiding glut, and capitalising on periods of higher prices.

In post-harvest management, a streamlined supply chain encompasses the integration of various stakeholders and participants to become strategic partners. Another crucial component of a streamlined supply chain is the incorporation of technology into post-harvest operations.

The collaboration and integration of the government and government agencies, such as the Rural Agricultural Development Authority and the Jamaica Agricultural Society, are essential elements for a successful post-harvest management initiative. The Government can develop and implement policies that are geared towards enhancing productivity throughout the entire agricultural supply chain.

SHANE LETFORD

Lecturer

Caribbean Maritime

University