نوع مقاله : علمی مروری
نویسنده
عضو هیئت علمی
چکیده
کلیدواژهها
موضوعات
عنوان مقاله [English]
نویسنده [English]
Horticultural products face the highest level of waste among agricultural products from production to consumption due to their high perishability, high respiration, and physical and physiological sensitivity. Estimates show that 30 to 45 percent of a significant amount of fruits and vegetables in developing countries are lost before reaching the consumer, most of which is related to the harvesting and post-harvest stages. Waste in these products can occur quantitatively or qualitatively and its origin can be identified at all stages of the supply chain. Factors such as inappropriate cultivation patterns, untimely harvesting, inappropriate equipment, poor temperature and humidity management, substandard transportation, inefficient packaging, and weaknesses in the marketing network and consumption culture are among the most important reasons for horticultural waste. Despite the development of technologies such as precision mechanized harvesting, low-cost cooling systems, edible coatings, smart packaging, and IoT-based environmental monitoring tools, small-scale farmers still have limited access to these solutions. Therefore, waste reduction is not possible through technological development alone; it requires a comprehensive framework that includes targeted policymaking, promoting a culture of consumption, efficient management, and converting horticultural waste into secondary and valuable products. This study, with an analytical approach, examines the factors affecting horticultural product waste at all stages of the supply chain and, while reviewing new technologies and innovations, provides the necessary implementation, policy, and promotional solutions to reduce waste. The results show that combining technological solutions with effective policymaking and consumer culture can ensure a sustainable reduction in horticultural waste and significantly increase the productivity of the production system.
کلیدواژهها [English]
)