Analysis reveals high postharvest losses in tomatoes among small-scale farmers, suggesting urgent need for improved pest control and production systems.
Key Points
Postharvest losses of tomatoes reached 73.07% at the farm level, primarily due to decay and mechanical damage.
Significant losses were caused by insects (82.35%) and physical damage (70.58%), indicating key areas for intervention.
Observational analysis comparing open-field and closed tunnel systems showed greater losses in open fields.
Training and support on loss reduction technologies are critical for enhancing food security in small-scale farming.