POSTHARVEST HANDLING AND MARKETING OF BANANA IN THE SELECTED AREAS OF BANGLADESH

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the present status of postharvest handling including loss assessment and marketing of banana along with constraints and to make probable suggestions to address the identified constraints. The survey was made in selected areas of Bangladesh. Altogether 35 farmers (small, medium and large) and 35 intermediaries (faria, bepari, aratdar and retailers) were interviewed through structured questionnaires during the period from mid September to November 2005. The results of the study indicated that per hectare net returns of large farmers (Tk.88, 259) were comparatively higher than those of the medium (Tk.86, 149) and small (Tk. 71, 209) farmers while per hectare gross returns of medium farmers (Tk.197, 207) were comparatively higher than those of large (Tk. 191,232) and small (Tk.190, 037) farmers. Per bunch banana (85 fingers) marketing cost of aratdar (11.00) was comparatively higher than those of faria (6.00), bepari (8.50) and retailers (9.00). Postharvest losses of banana were 25%. Maximum postharvest loss was found at transportation levels. Marketing losses in banana owing to fruit injuries and fruit diseases were estimated at 17% (Tk. 144840) and 8% (Tk. 68160), respectively. Faulty harvesting procedure, loading and unloading, inadequate care during transport and stowage of banana bunches in transit and transport, vibration and compression during transportation caused cracks, cuts, punctures and blemishes. The wholesalers and their agents mainly determined the market price of banana. The total marketing cost was established at 12% (3% by producers, 3% by traders, 4% by wholesalers and 2% by retailers). The negligent attitude towards postharvest handling, lack of quality consciousness and absence of food processing units and unavailability of modem transport and cold storages are responsible for huge postharvest losses. The marketing problems were identified as inadequate transport and marketing facilities, perceived exploitation by middlemen in controlling the market price through their coherent association. Adequate and timely supply of inputs ensure, improvement of transport and communication system, development of storage facilities, market facilities and establishment of processing plants etc. may go a long way in solving the problems.