Document Type : Research
Authors
1
Department of Public Management, Faculty of Management, University of Tehran
2
Associate Professor of Horticulture Department, Aburihan Campus, University of Tehran
3
Department of Horticultural Science, Faculty of Agricultural Science and Engineering, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran
Abstract
Iran is one of the top countries in relations of agricultural production, especially horticultural crops. Horticultural crops account for a large portion of the non-oil exports of the country. However, the perishability of these crops along with low production, harvest and postharvest management has led to a considerable postharvest loss of these crops. Depending on the crop, season, and region, the amount of postharvest losses of horticultural crops is between 5 to 50 percent. Improving the level of management at production and after-production stages can effectively reduce postharvest waste, which is one of the most important concerns and challenges in the field of food security. According to the increase in population and the consequent increase in demand for food as well as the reduction of cultivated areas as a negative consequence of climate change and urban development, a key strategy to improve food security in Iran and the world is postharvest waste management. Unsuitable management of production, harvesting, sorting, storage, and marketing, and inappropriate distribution and delivery are issues that not only have adverse economic effects on the supply of fruits and vegetables in the country but also can affect the export of these crops. Additionally, the high volume of postharvest losses also increases the price of food. In each strategy considered to increase food access, reducing waste of horticultural crops is an essential factor that can achieve food security goals, without increasing the double pressure on resources and environmental degradation. Solving management problems related to horticultural waste requires effective cooperation and communication between the research, extension, production, marketing and sales systems, and regulatory and policy-making bodies. This paper investigates biological and socio-economic factors involved in creating a high volume of agricultural waste in the country and proposes possible strategies to reduce the volume of waste.
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