Need for Affordable Processing Technologies to Reduce Crop Losses

TLDR

• He said more than 40 per cent of highly perishable crops are lost before reaching consumers, underscoring the need for affordable processing technologies that can extend shelf life and improve farmers’ earnings.
• The latest solar dryer is being built in Mbagala, Dar es Salaam for a private entrepreneur, reflecting growing demand for technologies that preserve perishable crops and create new business opportunities.
• Perishable crops like tomatoes, fruits and vegetables spoil quickly, causing losses instead of generating income,” Mr Masse said.
• Each crop needs specific drying temperatures and times to preserve nutrients and meet market standards.
• We are used to consuming fresh crops but rarely consider the losses involved.